US9763725B2 - External reader for device management - Google Patents

External reader for device management Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US9763725B2
US9763725B2 US14/922,719 US201514922719A US9763725B2 US 9763725 B2 US9763725 B2 US 9763725B2 US 201514922719 A US201514922719 A US 201514922719A US 9763725 B2 US9763725 B2 US 9763725B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
module
readable
delivery device
surgical instrument
electrosurgical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US14/922,719
Other versions
US20160038217A1 (en
Inventor
James W. McPherson
D. Alan Hanna
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Covidien LP
Original Assignee
Covidien LP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Covidien LP filed Critical Covidien LP
Priority to US14/922,719 priority Critical patent/US9763725B2/en
Assigned to TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP reassignment TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HANNA, D. ALAN, MCPHERSON, JAMES W.
Assigned to COVIDIEN LP reassignment COVIDIEN LP CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
Publication of US20160038217A1 publication Critical patent/US20160038217A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9763725B2 publication Critical patent/US9763725B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/1206Generators therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/90Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/90Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
    • A61B90/94Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags coded with symbols, e.g. text
    • A61B90/96Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags coded with symbols, e.g. text using barcodes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/90Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
    • A61B90/98Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06046Constructional details
    • G06K19/0615Constructional details the marking being of the rewritable type, e.g. thermo-chromic barcodes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07798Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card part of the antenna or the integrated circuit being adapted for rupturing or breaking, e.g. record carriers functioning as sealing devices for detecting not-authenticated opening of containers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • A61B2050/314Flexible bags or pouches
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/08Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
    • A61B2090/0803Counting the number of times an instrument is used
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/08Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
    • A61B2090/0814Preventing re-use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems and methods for performing a medical procedure, wherein the systems and methods record and tract the usage of single use and reusable medical devices.
  • Electrosurgical instruments typically utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to affect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize and/or seal tissue.
  • electrosurgical instruments such as, for example, elongated electrosurgical forceps to cauterize, coagulate/desiccate and/or to simply reduce or slow bleeding in a surgical cavity, electrosurgical pencil or scalpel for cutting or to cauterize a surgical opening, an electrosurgical vessel sealing device including actuating jaw members of an end effector assembly for sealing and cutting vessels.
  • electrosurgical instruments are configured to receive a variety of attachments or members, such as tips, jaws, blades, electrode configurations or combination thereof.
  • a clinician may employ a variety of different instrumentation, including reusable instruments, limited use reusable instruments, and disposables instrument.
  • Reusable instruments are instruments where the reusability of the instrument is limited only by operability of the instruments (e.g., proper operation, recommended maintenance and/or reconditioning schedules).
  • a limited use reusable instrument includes instruments with a limited useful life, wherein the useful life of the instrument may be based the number of electrical activations, the cumulative time of electrical activation, the number of mechanical activations, the number of surgical procedures performed or any combination thereof.
  • a disposable instrument is an instrument intended to be introduced to a surgical field, used for its intended purpose and immediately disposed of thereafter.
  • Instruments may also be configured to receive a disposable or limited use attachment or member.
  • a reusable electrosurgical scalpel may be configured to receive a limited use or disposable blade or a limited use reusable vessel sealing device may be configured to receive a disposable single-use shaft and end effector or end effector assembly or jaw assembly.
  • a manufactures' “limited use” or “disposable” recommendation is typically based on performance testing, reliability testing, the inability to properly sterilize the instrument or attachment member using conventional sterilizing techniques, the material degradation as a result of conventional sterilization techniques or any combination thereof.
  • a clinician must know the use limitation, track the actual usage and abide by the instructions by disposing of the instrument after the actual usage has been exceeded.
  • health issues and concerns arise when disposable instruments are re-used for surgical purposes or when instruments are used beyond their recommended life or cycles.
  • the use recommendation for reusable or disposable members sometimes depends on the clinician, surgeon or surgical personnel to discard the instrument or member after the manufactures' recommended number of uses is exceeded.
  • manufactures have employed a number of systems and methods. For example, to prevent accidental reuse, some instruments are packaged such that the packaging is destroyed when opened. Other instruments employ smart-connectors to prevent reconnection and reuse of a particular instrument with the same electrosurgical generator. Other instruments have employed a time-out device configured to prevent re-use of the electrosurgical instrument after a pre-determined time limit.
  • the present disclosure describes devices and systems that interface with an existing electrosurgical generator, or the like, to record and track the usage of single use and reusable medical devices.
  • the present disclosure relates to a system for tracking use of a medical device, including an electrosurgical generator configured to selectively deliver an electrosurgical energy signal, an electrosurgical delivery device configured to connects to the electrosurgical generator and receives the electrosurgical energy signal therefrom, a readable module connected to the electrosurgical delivery device and configured to uniquely identify the electrosurgical delivery device; a read module in communication with the electrosurgical generator and configured to identify the read module, the read module configured to identify the readable module and further configured to determine the viability of the electrosurgical delivery device, wherein delivery of the electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical delivery device is enabled by the read module if the electrosurgical delivery device is a viable device.
  • Another aspect of the system includes a device tracking and management system in communication with the read module and configured to provide information specific to the uniquely identified electrosurgical delivery device to the read module.
  • the read module may determine the viability of the electrosurgical delivery device based on the information specific to the uniquely identified electrosurgical delivery device provided from the device tracking and management system.
  • the read module may provide information relating to the electrosurgical generator to the device tracking and management system.
  • the device tracking and management system may include a billing module configured to generate a per use bill based on the information related to the electrosurgical generator provided by the read module.
  • the device tracking and management system may includes an inventory control module configured to maintain product inventory based on the information related to the electrosurgical generator provided by the read module.
  • the readable module includes a bar code, and the read module includes a scanner configured to identify the bar code.
  • the readable module may also include a radio frequency identification module and the read module may also include a scanner configured to identify the radio frequency identification module.
  • the readable module includes a readable module wireless communication device and the read module includes a read module wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with the readable module wireless communication device.
  • the readable module may also include memory accessible by the read module when the read module electrically connects to the memory.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical system utilizing an external usage tracking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the packaging readable module
  • FIGS. 2B and 2C are perspective views of packaging readable modules rendered inoperable by exposure to ambient conditions
  • FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the packaging readable module rendered inoperable by separating the bottom layer and the top layer of the packaging materials.
  • FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the packaging readable module with a portion of the packaging readable module formed on the bottom layer and a portion of the readable module formed on the top layer of the packaging materials.
  • proximal as is traditional, will refer to an end which is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to an end that is farther from the user.
  • the systems and methods described herein are related to an external usage tracking system that includes a readable module and one or more read modules for preventing and/or tracking use of a reusable and/or disposable instrument.
  • a read module is associated with an instrument and may be incorporated into, and/or affixed to, an instrument, the packaging of the instrument or both.
  • the read module interfaces with each readable module and receives one or more identifying characteristic of the associated instrument from the read module.
  • the identifying characteristics are used to determine the viability of the instrument and read module provides the viability of the instrument to a system that interconnects and/or interfaces with the instrument.
  • the viability of the instrument may be related to system compatibility and/or connectability, related to a prior use, related to an expiration date and/or timeframe, or related to any other suitable measure or criteria.
  • an electrosurgical system for supplying electrosurgical energy for a medical procedure including an external usage tracking system 100 is shown as 10 .
  • the electrosurgical system 10 includes an electrosurgical generator 20 , a delivery device 30 configured to couple to the electrosurgical generator 20 via a transmission line 34 and an external usage tracking system 100 .
  • the electrosurgical system 10 is provided and described to demonstrate the use and features of an external usage tracking system 100 .
  • the external usage tracking system 100 may be used with any system that utilizes disposable and/or limited use components such as, for example, systems that utilize disposable end effectors (e.g., radiofrequency systems, microwave systems and/or ultrasonic systems), and systems that utilize disposable cartridges (power-staplers, printers, copiers, power nail driver, and/or a CO2 cartridge actuated device).
  • disposable end effectors e.g., radiofrequency systems, microwave systems and/or ultrasonic systems
  • disposable cartridges power-staplers, printers, copiers, power nail driver, and/or a CO2 cartridge actuated device
  • Electrosurgical generator 20 may include an operator interface 40 having a keypad 42 for entering parameters related to electrosurgical generator 20 , the delivery device 30 and/or parameters related to the operation thereof.
  • Display 44 may indicate or graph one or more parameters related to the surgical procedure, the electrosurgical generator 20 , the transmission line 34 and/or delivery device 30 and/or the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • Electrosurgical generator 20 includes a central processing unit and control circuit (not explicitly shown) for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • Delivery device 30 may be any suitable electrosurgical delivery device such as, for example, a radio-frequency, microwave, and/or ultrasonic ablation device, a tissue-sealing device or other electrosurgical tissue treatment device, or delivery device 30 may be a component delivery device such as a power-stapler, power-nail driver, printer or copier. Delivery device 30 may be a single-use disposable device, a multi-use disposable device or a limited use re-usable device.
  • Transmission line 34 may be a coaxial cable (i.e., a waveguide), a multi-conductor cable or any other suitable cable or combination thereof for transmitting an electrosurgical energy signal and/or electrosurgical control signals.
  • Connector 24 disposed on the proximal end of the transmission line 34 couples to a transmission line receiver 46 on the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • a distal end of the transmission line 34 connects to the handpiece 36 of the delivery device 30 .
  • External usage tracking system 100 includes a read module 110 , one or more readable modules 120 and a remotely-located device tracking and management system 115 .
  • the various components of the external usage tracking system 100 cooperate to track and record the usage of each specific delivery device 30 as described hereinbelow.
  • Read module 110 connects directly to the electrosurgical generator 20 through a read module cable 112 .
  • the read module cable 112 may connect directly to a preexisting communication port 46 b in the electrosurgical generator 20 and may use any suitable communication protocol to communicate with the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • read module 110 may connect to an analog or digital input port on the electrosurgical generator 20 and may provide an analog or digital signal that provides information and/or data related to or from the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • One suitable communication protocol may include a wireless protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee or other suitable wireless communication protocol) wherein the read module 110 wirelessly connects to the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • the read module 110 is a smart device configured to execute one or more applications related to the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • the one or more applications may be related to controlling a scanner housed in the read module 100 and configured to read/identify a readable code formed by the readable module 120 .
  • one application may control an optical reading device (e.g., camera/bar code scanner) configured to identify/read the readable code.
  • the readable code may be a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional bar code or any optically distinguishable and/or identifiable pattern.
  • a readable code and a bar code may be used interchangeably herein.
  • Read module 110 in addition to communicating with the device tracking and management system 115 , may include an application configured to communicate with individual read modules 110 thereby forming a localized network between pluralities of read modules 110 .
  • read module 110 is a wireless pistol grip reader.
  • the read module 110 functionality described herein is incorporated into the circuitry of a new electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • the particulars of the electrosurgical generator 20 , delivery device 30 and external usage tracking system 100 , and the interaction of the various components illustrated in the figures and described herein, may be distributed between the electrosurgical generator 20 , the delivery device 30 and other components of the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • the system and methods described herein are provided only as examples and should not be construed as limiting.
  • Read module 110 is configured to interface with one or more readable modules 120 associated with a specific delivery device 30 .
  • Readable modules 120 are read and/or detected by the read module 110 and may include any suitable readable and/or detectable technologies.
  • readable module 120 may include a readable identification code such as, for example, a one-dimensional bar code 120 a , a two-dimensional bar code 120 b or any other suitable readable identification pattern, device or coding.
  • Readable module 120 may also include a hard-wired readable technology such as, for example, an EEPROM, microcontroller or smart card 120 e .
  • Read module 110 may connect to the readable module 120 by a suitable electrical cable (not explicitly shown) or readable module (e.g., smart card 120 e ) may be removed from the delivery device 30 and connected to the read module 110 .
  • Information related to the delivery device 30 is transferred between the read module 110 and the readable module 120 via the readable module (e.g., smart card 120 e ).
  • Readable module 120 may also connect to the read module 110 via a wireless communication system (e.g., wireless transmitter/receiver 120 c ).
  • Wireless transmitter/receiver 120 c may connect by any suitable low-power wireless digital communication protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth or ZigBee.
  • Read module 110 may be configured to automatic detect a delivery device 30 with a wireless transmitter/receiver 120 c when a delivery device 30 is positioned proximate to the read module 110 .
  • a wireless connection may be manually initiated by a clinician.
  • Readable module 120 may also connect to the read module 110 via a detectable technology such as, for example, a radio frequency identification device (RFID) 120 d .
  • Read module 110 may detect the readable RFID module 120 d positioned on (or within) the delivery device 30 after the delivery device 30 is positioned proximate the read module 110 .
  • the readable RFID module 120 d connected to the delivery device 30 may be automatically detected the by the read module 110 or detection thereof may be manually initiated by a clinician.
  • the read module 110 receives identification information from one or more readable modules 120 a - 120 e positioned on a specific delivery device 30 or positioned on the packaging material 130 that house the delivery device 30 .
  • the read module 110 connects to the device tracking and management system 115 via a direct or indirect connection (e.g., a wi-fi or wireless connection) and provides the identification information thereto.
  • the device tracking and management system 115 utilizes the identification information to locate tracking and usage information related to the specific delivery device 30 .
  • the tracking and usage information is used to determine if the specific delivery device 30 is a viable device (e.g., reusable and/or unused device), a compatible device (e.g., compatible to the specific electrosurgical generator 20 ) and/or a device that is safe to use (e.g., no manufacturing recalls).
  • the determination step may be performed by the device tracking and management system 115 , the read module 110 , the electrosurgical generator 20 or any combination thereof.
  • New information may be related to the use of the electrosurgical generator 20 with the specific delivery device 30 .
  • the new information, or changes to the existing information may be added to the corresponding record in the device tracking and management system 115 before, during and/or after the delivery device 30 is used.
  • the information may include time-stamped information, information related to the electrosurgical generator 20 , read module 110 and readable module 120 , information related to the surgical procedure (e.g., type, duration, etc. . . . ), information related to performance and/or delivered energy and information related to the user and/or facility (e.g., an operator entered facility code or location codes).
  • Device tracking and management system 115 tracks one or more aspects of a specific delivery device 30 .
  • device tracking and management system 115 may track the usage of a single-use delivery device and may further prevent the re-use of the single-use delivery devices 30 .
  • Device tracking and management system 115 may also track the use and reuse of a specific reusable delivery device 30 and may prevent re-use of the specific reusable delivery device 30 if the specific use is determined to be an unsafe or not permitted.
  • Device tracking and management system 115 identifies each specific delivery device 30 during or after manufacturing, associates the readable devices 120 with the specific delivery device 30 , tracks each specific delivery device 30 throughout its usable life, and prevents reuse after the usable life has expired.
  • Device tracking and management system 115 may also be configured to include the functionality of an enterprise resource planning system.
  • a component of the device tracking and management system 115 may include an inventory control module 115 a for tracking and controlling inventory for a specific office, hospital and/or a specific storage location therein.
  • Inventory control module 115 a of the device tracking and management system 115 may automatically generate orders based on usage and/or availability or may provide order recommendations based on historic usage.
  • Device tracking and management system 115 may also include a sterilization control module 115 b to provide sterilization monitoring and tracking.
  • sterilization control module 115 b of the device tracking and management system 115 tracks, records and/or monitors each individual use and subsequent sterilizations that occur after each of the uses.
  • Device tracking and management system 115 may prevent a specific delivery device 30 from re-entering an inventory system if time-stamp information indicates that sterilization was not performed, indicates with a high degree of likelihood that sterilization was not adequately performed or indicates that sterilization was bypassed altogether.
  • time-stamp information from the electrosurgical generator 20 may indicate that a specific delivery device 30 was being reintroduced into inventory directly after an indicated use, thereby indicating that sterilization could not have been performed.
  • Device tracking and management system 115 may also include a billing module 115 c that generates automated customer billing (for single use and/or limited-use reusable delivery devices) and/or automated patient billing (for single use devices, pay-per-use devices and/or split billing for pay-per-use or reusable devices). For example, in a surgical procedure a read module 110 identifies a specific delivery device 30 and reports the use to the device tracking and management system 115 . If the specific delivery device 30 is a single use device, the inventory control module 115 a would initiate a reorder for a new delivery device and the billing module 115 c would initiate appropriate patient billing for use of the delivery device 30 .
  • a billing module 115 c that generates automated customer billing (for single use and/or limited-use reusable delivery devices) and/or automated patient billing (for single use devices, pay-per-use devices and/or split billing for pay-per-use or reusable devices). For example, in a surgical procedure a read module 110 identifies a specific delivery device 30 and
  • the inventory control module 115 a may initiate a reorder of the delivery device 30 if the use tracking indicates the delivery device 30 has expired and the delivery device 30 can not be reused.
  • the billing module 115 c generates appropriate patient billing for the allocated percentage of use of the delivery device 30 and an order may be initiated by the inventory control module 115 a.
  • External usage tracking system 100 is configured to interface with the electrosurgical control algorithm that controls the operation of the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • the electrosurgical control algorithm in an existing electrosurgical generator 20 is reprogrammed to connect to the read module 110 through a pre-existing communication port 46 b .
  • implementation of an external usage tracking system 100 may be accomplished by implementing a software upgrade of the electrosurgical control algorithm in an existing electrosurgical generator 20 and connecting the read module 110 to the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • New electrosurgical generators may be configured to connect to a read module 110 of the external usage tracking system 100 through any suitable wireless personal area network (WPAN) such as, for example, Bluetooth, infrared or WiFi, therefore requiring minimal changes to implement an external usage tracking system 100 .
  • WPAN wireless personal area network
  • the information provided to the electrosurgical generator 20 from the read module 110 may include information related to the manufacturing, assembly and testing of the delivery device 30 , information related to use of the delivery device 30 and/or information related to the compatibility of the delivery device 30 with the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • the information may also be related to the safe operation of the delivery device 30 and may include safe operating procedures, product recall information and/or information about the delivery device 30 and/or materials used to manufacture the delivery device 30 that were obtained after the delivery device 30 was manufactured.
  • the external usage tracking system 100 may provide the read module 110 with product performance information related to the specific delivery device 30 such as delivery device 30 specifications and test data. As can be appreciated, identification of the specific delivery device 30 by the external usage tracking system 100 provides the capability of providing up-to-date information related to the specific delivery device 30 .
  • the information provided to the electrosurgical generator 20 from the read module 110 may be limited to enabling and/or disabling when the read module 110 and/or the device tracking and management system 115 (or any component thereof) determines if the specific delivery device 30 has expired.
  • the read module 110 provides an enable/disable signal to the electrosurgical generator 20 wherein providing an enable signal indicates that the delivery device 30 is a viable device (e.g., unused and/or capable of being reused), a compatible device, an unexpired device and/or any combination thereof.
  • the enable signal may enable delivery of the electrosurgical energy to the delivery device 30 .
  • New delivery device platforms may include new features designed for connecting and interfacing with new electrosurgical generators. As such, the new delivery device platforms are incompatible with the early generation electrosurgical generators 20 .
  • a new delivery device platform may include features related to an external usage tracking system 100 that had not been included in early generation electrosurgical generators.
  • read module 110 may be configured to interface with the features included in the new delivery devices platform (e.g., wireless communication transmitter/receiver 120 c as will be discussed in more detail herein).
  • an electrosurgical system 100 with an early generation electrosurgical generator 20 may utilize the new platform features provided in or with a new delivery device 30 platform by interfacing with the early generation electrosurgical generator 20 through the read module 110 .
  • the delivery device 30 is configured to interface with the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • Delivery device 30 includes a plurality of readable modules 120 configured to interface with the readable module 110 .
  • FIG. 1 illustrates several readable modules 120 although as few as one readable module 120 may be used.
  • read module 120 is incorporated into the packaging materials 130 (e.g., one-dimensional bar code 120 a formed in the soft-pack 130 ), incorporated into the connector 24 on the proximal end of the transmission line 34 (e.g., two-dimensional bar code 120 b ), incorporated into the handle 36 of the delivery device 30 (e.g., RFID 120 d or wireless communication transmitter/receiver 120 c ) or any combination thereof.
  • packaging materials 130 e.g., one-dimensional bar code 120 a formed in the soft-pack 130
  • the connector 24 on the proximal end of the transmission line 34 e.g., two-dimensional bar code 120 b
  • the handle 36 of the delivery device 30 e.g., RFID 120 d or wireless communication transmitter/receiver 120 c
  • the delivery device 30 may include a readable RFID module 120 d .
  • the readable RFID module 120 d may attach to the exterior of the delivery device 30 (e.g., on the housing 36 ), as illustrated in FIG. 1 , or the readable RFID module 120 d may be positioned in the interior cavity formed by the housing 36 .
  • the operation of the readable RFID module 120 d and the external usage tracking system 100 may be independent of the operation of the delivery device 30 .
  • the readable RFID module 120 d may be attached to an existing device (e.g., externally positioned) or incorporated into the delivery device 30 during the assembly process (e.g., internally or externally positioned).
  • the internal circuitry of the delivery device 30 includes readable RFID circuitry (not explicitly shown). Internal circuitry may provide data related to the use of the delivery device 30 and send the data to the readable RFID circuitry (not explicitly shown) and the readable RFID circuitry provides at least a portion of the data related to the use of the delivery device 30 to the read module 110 of the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • the read module 110 when placed in suitable proximity to a readable RFID module 120 d , receives information from the readable RFID module 120 d .
  • the information may include identification information that directly identifies the delivery device 30 or that indirectly identifies the delivery device 30 through identification of the RFID module 120 d .
  • the information may direct the read module 110 to a table, database or other data storage location that contains identification and/or usage information of the delivery device 30 .
  • the read module 110 receives identification information related to the readable RFID module 120 d that directs the read module 110 to a database entry containing information related to the specific delivery device 30 .
  • the read module 110 may determine the compatibility between the delivery device 30 and the electrosurgical generator 20 thereby preventing use of an incompatible delivery device 30 .
  • the read module 110 may also determine if the delivery device 30 has been previously used thereby preventing reuse of a disposable product.
  • the read module 110 may determine if the use of a limited-use reusable delivery device 30 has exceeded a maximum number of uses thereby preventing overuse of a limited-use reusable product.
  • the read module 110 may verify compatibility between the delivery device 30 and the electrosurgical generator 20 , may then determine various use parameters relating to the delivery device 30 and provide a signal to enable or disable the use of the electrosurgical generator 20 with the identified delivery device 30 .
  • the readable RFID module 120 d may be connected to the energy delivery portion or control portion of the delivery device 30 such that the readable RFID module 120 d is rendered inoperable or unreusable by the delivery device 30 when the delivery device 30 connects to, or receives electrosurgical energy from, the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • delivery device 30 may alter the information stored on the readable RFID module 120 d or alter the operation of the readable RFID module 120 d such that any attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 with the attached readable RFID module 120 d would result in the external usage tracking system 100 detecting the prior use thereby preventing reuse of the delivery device 30 .
  • Readable RFID module 120 d may also be susceptible to one or more aspects of sterilization procedures. Exposure to a sterilization process alters information stored the readable RFID module 120 d or the sterilization process rendering the readable RFID module 120 d inoperable. For example, the readable RFID module 120 d may be sensitive to heat, fluid, electromagnetic radiation and/or exposure to other conditions related to a sterilization process such that any attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 with a readable RFID module 110 that has been exposed to a sterilization process would result in detection by the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • a packaging readable module 120 a may be incorporated into the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130 ).
  • Packaging readable module 120 a may be provided as an alternative to the readable modules 120 a - 120 e positioned on the delivery device 30 or may be provided in addition to one or more readable modules 120 a - 120 e.
  • the packaging readable module 120 a positioned on the packaging material corresponds to a readable module 120 b - 120 e associated with the delivery device 30 .
  • Read module 110 must identify the packaging readable module 120 a and a corresponding readable module 120 b - 120 e positioned on the delivery device 30 prior to enabling the operation of the electrosurgical generator 20 .
  • the packaging readable module 120 a may include a one-dimensional bar code, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , incorporated into the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130 ). Prior to opening the packaging materials (e.g., soft-pack 130 ), the packaging readable module 120 a may be accessible (e.g., optically scanned and/or read) by the read module 110 through one or more layers of the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130 ). The packaging readable module 120 a is positioned on the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130 ) such that the packaging readable module 120 a is destroyed or rendered unreadable upon opening of the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130 ).
  • Soft-pack 130 includes a flexible bottom layer 130 a and a flexible top layer 130 b connected together by an adhesive seal 132 thereby forming a sterile, interior pocket 143 therebetween.
  • An adhesive seal 132 positioned along the edge of the flexible bottom layer 130 a and the flexible top layer 130 b along a first, second and third edges 131 a - 131 c bonds the bottom layer 130 a to the top layer 130 b .
  • the position of the adhesive seal 132 (e.g., inset from the fourth edge 131 d ) provides access to the individual layers of the soft-pack 130 (e.g., flexible bottom layer 130 a and flexible top layer 130 b ).
  • the adhesive seal 132 formed adjacent the first, second and third edges 131 a - 131 c prevents separation between the flexible bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b.
  • a read module 120 a positioned between the fourth edge 131 d and the adhesive seal 132 , is attached to the flexible top and bottom layers 130 a and 130 b and readable by the reader module 110 through the flexible bottom layer 130 a and/or the flexible top layer 130 b .
  • the soft-pack 130 is opened by separating the flexible top and bottom layers 130 a and 130 b thereby breaking the adhesive seal 132 along the fourth edge 131 d . Further separating the flexible top and bottom layers 130 a and 130 b breaks at least a portion of the adhesive seal 132 along the first and second edges 131 a and 131 b.
  • a readable module 120 a positioned between the flexible bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b along the fourth edge 131 d , includes a bond between the readable module 120 a and each of the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b .
  • the bond may be stronger than the material used to construct the readable module 120 a .
  • the readable module 120 a may be adhesively attached to the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b by an adhesive layer 131 .
  • the bond between the readable module 120 a and each of the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b may be sufficiently strong that separating the bottom and top layers renders the readable module 120 a non-functional (e.g., unreadable and/or unidentifiable by the read module 110 ).
  • the readable module 120 a is formed by bonding together the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b . As illustrated in FIG. 2D , the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b are fused together thereby forming a single layer therebetween. As such, opening the soft pack requires the destruction of the bond between the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b thereby rendering the readable module 120 a unreadable (e.g., thereby tearing the two layers and/or stretching of the two layers thereby rendering the code unreadable).
  • bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b form a fluid-tight seal around the readable module 120 a thereby isolating the readable module 120 a from ambient conditions. Opening the soft-pack 130 (e.g., removing the delivery device 30 ) exposes the readable module 120 a to the ambient conditions thereby rendering the readable module 120 a non-functional and/or unreadable.
  • the readable module 120 a may be printed with an evaporative material that evaporates when exposed to ambient conditions, as illustrated in FIG. 2B .
  • FIG. 2B Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG.
  • the readable module 120 a may include a reactive material that modifies the barcode pattern (e.g., changes the pattern of the barcode by eliminating a portion of the pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2B , or by adding an additional portion to the pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2C ), thereby rendering the barcode unreadable.
  • a reactive material that modifies the barcode pattern e.g., changes the pattern of the barcode by eliminating a portion of the pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2B , or by adding an additional portion to the pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2C ), thereby rendering the barcode unreadable.
  • the reactive material forms at least a portion of a readable code and the reactive material reacts with one or more components in air.
  • the readable code may be formed with a solution of thymolphthalein and a base material and then sealed between the bottom and top layer 130 a and 130 b . When opened, the base reacts with carbon dioxide, which is always present in air, thereby dropping the pH to a level where the readable code disappears thereby rendering the packaging readable material inoperable.
  • At least a portion of the readable code background is formed with a solution that becomes dark (e.g., reacts with air and/or oxidizes in the presents of air) when exposed to ambient conditions thereby modifying the structure of the readable code and rendering the packaging readable material inoperable.
  • a first portion of the readable module 120 a is formed on the bottom layer 130 a and a second portion of the readable module 120 a is formed on the top layer as illustrated in FIG. 2E . Separation of the bottom layer 120 a from the top layer 130 a renders the readable module 120 a unreadable.
  • a half-shell instrument package includes a rigid or semi-rigid bottom half-shell assembly containing at least one cavity for receiving a surgical instrument and a flexible lid portion configured to cover the cavity.
  • a half-shell instrument package may also include a plurality of spaced apart cavities for selectively plating protective plugs at each end of the implement such that one packaging cavity may be used for a plurality of variously sized instruments.
  • Half-shell assembly typically includes a flange area upon which the flexible lid portion adhesively attaches thereby forming a sterile cavity therebetween.
  • a readable module may be incorporated into the half-shell package such that separation of the flexible lid portion from the bottom half-shell assembly renders the readable module unreadable.
  • a surgical instrument packaging arrangement includes a full-shell instrument package.
  • a full-shell instrument package includes rigid top and bottom portions that connect in a plurality of locations thereby forming a sterile cavity for the delivery device therebetween.
  • This type of package may be a single use package or may be resealable, and therefore reusable.
  • a reusable delivery device 30 includes two readable modules 120 that provide information related to the specific delivery device 30 .
  • a first readable module e.g., the packaging readable module 120 a
  • the packaging material e.g., soft-pack 130
  • a second readable module e.g. one of readable modules 120 b - 120 e
  • the first readable module and the second readable module are provided with identification information that identifies the specific reusable delivery device 30 housed in the packaging materials.
  • the total use of the reusable delivery device 30 includes a first use and a finite number of subsequent permissible reuses with the final permissible use being the last permissible use.
  • the clinician is required to identify the delivery device 30 by reading/scanning the first readable module 120 a and the second readable module 120 b - 120 e with the read module 110 of the external usage tracking system 100 .
  • the external usage and tracking system 100 determines that the delivery device 30 has not been previously used and thereby identifies the use as the first use.
  • the external usage and tracking system 100 may indicate an identifying feature related to the first use that further limits subsequent reuses of the delivery device 30 .
  • the read module 110 may provide a location indicator that attaches to the identification information of the specific delivery device 30 .
  • the location indicator may identify the surgical facility, may identify a customer identifier, may identify a billing entity or any other information related to the specific user of the delivery device 30 .
  • the location indicator may further limit use of the specific delivery device 30 to systems and devices related to the location indicator.
  • the packaging materials 130 may be configured for reuse with the delivery device 30 .
  • each subsequent permissible use may require scanning/reading of the first readable module 120 a and the second readable module 120 b - 120 e prior to the subsequent permissible use.
  • the delivery device 30 may be reused until the external usage and tracking system 100 determines that the current use is the last use and thereafter the delivery device 30 will be unusable. Any subsequent attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 will not be permitted by the external usage and tracking system 100 .
  • the packaging materials 130 are not reusable and intended to be discarded after the first use. As such, each subsequent permissible use only requires scanning/reading of the second readable module 120 b - 120 e .
  • the delivery device 30 may be reused until the external usage and tracking system 100 determines that the current use is the last use and thereafter the delivery device 30 will be unusable. Any subsequent attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 will not be permitted by the external usage and tracking system 100 .
  • a subsequent scan of the first readable module 120 a would indicate that packaging materials 130 that were not intended for reuse were reused and may indicate improper sterilization procedures. Reuse of the delivery device 30 may be prohibited or prevented. Alternatively, the rescanning of a first readable module 120 a on a subsequent permissible use may generate an indicator or alarm that proper sterilization procedures were not performed at the identified location or performed by the identified user.
  • the external usage and tracking system 100 as described herein is incorporated into a sterilization system.
  • the electrosurgical system 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 , may be a sterilization system 20 that sterilizes the delivery device and prepares the delivery device for a subsequent use as discussed hereinabove.
  • the sterilization system 20 provides information related to the sterilization of the delivery device, either directly or indirectly through read module 120 , to the device tracking and management system 115 .

Abstract

A system for tracking use of a medical device includes an electrosurgical generator, a readable module and a read module. The electrosurgical generator is configured to selectively deliver an electrosurgical energy signal to an electrosurgical delivery device connected to the electrosurgical generator. The readable module is connected to the electrosurgical delivery device and configured to uniquely identify the electrosurgical delivery device. The read module is in communication with the electrosurgical generator that identifies the read module, the read module configured to identify the readable module and further configured to determine the viability of the electrosurgical delivery device. Delivery of electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical delivery device is enabled by the read module if the electrosurgical delivery device is a viable device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/462,348, filed on May 2, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to systems and methods for performing a medical procedure, wherein the systems and methods record and tract the usage of single use and reusable medical devices.
2. Description of Related Art
The use of electrosurgical instruments is well known in the art. Electrosurgical instruments typically utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to affect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize and/or seal tissue. Over the course of a surgical procedures a clinician may use a variety of electrosurgical instruments such as, for example, elongated electrosurgical forceps to cauterize, coagulate/desiccate and/or to simply reduce or slow bleeding in a surgical cavity, electrosurgical pencil or scalpel for cutting or to cauterize a surgical opening, an electrosurgical vessel sealing device including actuating jaw members of an end effector assembly for sealing and cutting vessels. In addition to the assortment of electrosurgical instruments available to a clinician, many electrosurgical instruments are configured to receive a variety of attachments or members, such as tips, jaws, blades, electrode configurations or combination thereof.
During the course of a surgical procedure, a clinician may employ a variety of different instrumentation, including reusable instruments, limited use reusable instruments, and disposables instrument. Reusable instruments are instruments where the reusability of the instrument is limited only by operability of the instruments (e.g., proper operation, recommended maintenance and/or reconditioning schedules). A limited use reusable instrument includes instruments with a limited useful life, wherein the useful life of the instrument may be based the number of electrical activations, the cumulative time of electrical activation, the number of mechanical activations, the number of surgical procedures performed or any combination thereof. A disposable instrument is an instrument intended to be introduced to a surgical field, used for its intended purpose and immediately disposed of thereafter.
Instruments may also be configured to receive a disposable or limited use attachment or member. For example, a reusable electrosurgical scalpel may be configured to receive a limited use or disposable blade or a limited use reusable vessel sealing device may be configured to receive a disposable single-use shaft and end effector or end effector assembly or jaw assembly.
A manufactures' “limited use” or “disposable” recommendation is typically based on performance testing, reliability testing, the inability to properly sterilize the instrument or attachment member using conventional sterilizing techniques, the material degradation as a result of conventional sterilization techniques or any combination thereof. A clinician must know the use limitation, track the actual usage and abide by the instructions by disposing of the instrument after the actual usage has been exceeded. In some instances there may be a temptation to re-use disposable instruments or use items beyond the recommended useful life to save costs especially in clinic-type environments or low-income areas. Obviously, health issues and concerns arise when disposable instruments are re-used for surgical purposes or when instruments are used beyond their recommended life or cycles. As such, the use recommendation for reusable or disposable members sometimes depends on the clinician, surgeon or surgical personnel to discard the instrument or member after the manufactures' recommended number of uses is exceeded.
To assist clinicians in abiding by a manufacturer's intended use and disposal instructions, and to prevent intentional re-use of instruments, manufactures have employed a number of systems and methods. For example, to prevent accidental reuse, some instruments are packaged such that the packaging is destroyed when opened. Other instruments employ smart-connectors to prevent reconnection and reuse of a particular instrument with the same electrosurgical generator. Other instruments have employed a time-out device configured to prevent re-use of the electrosurgical instrument after a pre-determined time limit.
The present disclosure describes devices and systems that interface with an existing electrosurgical generator, or the like, to record and track the usage of single use and reusable medical devices.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a system for tracking use of a medical device, including an electrosurgical generator configured to selectively deliver an electrosurgical energy signal, an electrosurgical delivery device configured to connects to the electrosurgical generator and receives the electrosurgical energy signal therefrom, a readable module connected to the electrosurgical delivery device and configured to uniquely identify the electrosurgical delivery device; a read module in communication with the electrosurgical generator and configured to identify the read module, the read module configured to identify the readable module and further configured to determine the viability of the electrosurgical delivery device, wherein delivery of the electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical delivery device is enabled by the read module if the electrosurgical delivery device is a viable device.
Another aspect of the system includes a device tracking and management system in communication with the read module and configured to provide information specific to the uniquely identified electrosurgical delivery device to the read module. The read module may determine the viability of the electrosurgical delivery device based on the information specific to the uniquely identified electrosurgical delivery device provided from the device tracking and management system. The read module may provide information relating to the electrosurgical generator to the device tracking and management system. The device tracking and management system may include a billing module configured to generate a per use bill based on the information related to the electrosurgical generator provided by the read module. The device tracking and management system may includes an inventory control module configured to maintain product inventory based on the information related to the electrosurgical generator provided by the read module.
According to a further aspects of the disclosure, the readable module includes a bar code, and the read module includes a scanner configured to identify the bar code. The readable module may also include a radio frequency identification module and the read module may also include a scanner configured to identify the radio frequency identification module.
According to other aspects of the disclosure, the readable module includes a readable module wireless communication device and the read module includes a read module wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with the readable module wireless communication device. The readable module may also include memory accessible by the read module when the read module electrically connects to the memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical system utilizing an external usage tracking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the packaging readable module;
FIGS. 2B and 2C are perspective views of packaging readable modules rendered inoperable by exposure to ambient conditions;
FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the packaging readable module rendered inoperable by separating the bottom layer and the top layer of the packaging materials; and
FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the packaging readable module with a portion of the packaging readable module formed on the bottom layer and a portion of the readable module formed on the top layer of the packaging materials.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
In the drawings and in the descriptions that follow, the term “proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to an end which is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to an end that is farther from the user.
Generally, the systems and methods described herein are related to an external usage tracking system that includes a readable module and one or more read modules for preventing and/or tracking use of a reusable and/or disposable instrument. A read module is associated with an instrument and may be incorporated into, and/or affixed to, an instrument, the packaging of the instrument or both. The read module interfaces with each readable module and receives one or more identifying characteristic of the associated instrument from the read module. The identifying characteristics are used to determine the viability of the instrument and read module provides the viability of the instrument to a system that interconnects and/or interfaces with the instrument. The viability of the instrument may be related to system compatibility and/or connectability, related to a prior use, related to an expiration date and/or timeframe, or related to any other suitable measure or criteria.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an electrosurgical system for supplying electrosurgical energy for a medical procedure including an external usage tracking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown as 10. The electrosurgical system 10 includes an electrosurgical generator 20, a delivery device 30 configured to couple to the electrosurgical generator 20 via a transmission line 34 and an external usage tracking system 100.
The electrosurgical system 10 is provided and described to demonstrate the use and features of an external usage tracking system 100. This specific example should not be construed as limiting. The external usage tracking system 100 may be used with any system that utilizes disposable and/or limited use components such as, for example, systems that utilize disposable end effectors (e.g., radiofrequency systems, microwave systems and/or ultrasonic systems), and systems that utilize disposable cartridges (power-staplers, printers, copiers, power nail driver, and/or a CO2 cartridge actuated device).
Electrosurgical generator 20 may include an operator interface 40 having a keypad 42 for entering parameters related to electrosurgical generator 20, the delivery device 30 and/or parameters related to the operation thereof. Display 44 may indicate or graph one or more parameters related to the surgical procedure, the electrosurgical generator 20, the transmission line 34 and/or delivery device 30 and/or the external usage tracking system 100. Electrosurgical generator 20 includes a central processing unit and control circuit (not explicitly shown) for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator 20.
Delivery device 30 may be any suitable electrosurgical delivery device such as, for example, a radio-frequency, microwave, and/or ultrasonic ablation device, a tissue-sealing device or other electrosurgical tissue treatment device, or delivery device 30 may be a component delivery device such as a power-stapler, power-nail driver, printer or copier. Delivery device 30 may be a single-use disposable device, a multi-use disposable device or a limited use re-usable device.
Transmission line 34 may be a coaxial cable (i.e., a waveguide), a multi-conductor cable or any other suitable cable or combination thereof for transmitting an electrosurgical energy signal and/or electrosurgical control signals. Connector 24 disposed on the proximal end of the transmission line 34 couples to a transmission line receiver 46 on the electrosurgical generator 20. A distal end of the transmission line 34 connects to the handpiece 36 of the delivery device 30.
External usage tracking system 100 includes a read module 110, one or more readable modules 120 and a remotely-located device tracking and management system 115. The various components of the external usage tracking system 100 cooperate to track and record the usage of each specific delivery device 30 as described hereinbelow.
Read module 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1, connects directly to the electrosurgical generator 20 through a read module cable 112. The read module cable 112 may connect directly to a preexisting communication port 46 b in the electrosurgical generator 20 and may use any suitable communication protocol to communicate with the electrosurgical generator 20. Alternatively, read module 110 may connect to an analog or digital input port on the electrosurgical generator 20 and may provide an analog or digital signal that provides information and/or data related to or from the external usage tracking system 100. One suitable communication protocol may include a wireless protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee or other suitable wireless communication protocol) wherein the read module 110 wirelessly connects to the electrosurgical generator 20.
In some embodiments, the read module 110 is a smart device configured to execute one or more applications related to the external usage tracking system 100. The one or more applications may be related to controlling a scanner housed in the read module 100 and configured to read/identify a readable code formed by the readable module 120. For example, one application may control an optical reading device (e.g., camera/bar code scanner) configured to identify/read the readable code. The readable code may be a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional bar code or any optically distinguishable and/or identifiable pattern. A readable code and a bar code may be used interchangeably herein. Read module 110, in addition to communicating with the device tracking and management system 115, may include an application configured to communicate with individual read modules 110 thereby forming a localized network between pluralities of read modules 110. In some embodiments, read module 110 is a wireless pistol grip reader.
In another embodiment, the read module 110 functionality described herein is incorporated into the circuitry of a new electrosurgical generator 20. As such, the particulars of the electrosurgical generator 20, delivery device 30 and external usage tracking system 100, and the interaction of the various components illustrated in the figures and described herein, may be distributed between the electrosurgical generator 20, the delivery device 30 and other components of the external usage tracking system 100. As such, the system and methods described herein are provided only as examples and should not be construed as limiting.
Read module 110 is configured to interface with one or more readable modules 120 associated with a specific delivery device 30. Readable modules 120 are read and/or detected by the read module 110 and may include any suitable readable and/or detectable technologies. For example, readable module 120 may include a readable identification code such as, for example, a one-dimensional bar code 120 a, a two-dimensional bar code 120 b or any other suitable readable identification pattern, device or coding.
Readable module 120 may also include a hard-wired readable technology such as, for example, an EEPROM, microcontroller or smart card 120 e. Read module 110 may connect to the readable module 120 by a suitable electrical cable (not explicitly shown) or readable module (e.g., smart card 120 e) may be removed from the delivery device 30 and connected to the read module 110. Information related to the delivery device 30 is transferred between the read module 110 and the readable module 120 via the readable module (e.g., smart card 120 e).
Readable module 120 may also connect to the read module 110 via a wireless communication system (e.g., wireless transmitter/receiver 120 c). Wireless transmitter/receiver 120 c may connect by any suitable low-power wireless digital communication protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth or ZigBee. Read module 110 may be configured to automatic detect a delivery device 30 with a wireless transmitter/receiver 120 c when a delivery device 30 is positioned proximate to the read module 110. Alternatively, a wireless connection may be manually initiated by a clinician.
Readable module 120 may also connect to the read module 110 via a detectable technology such as, for example, a radio frequency identification device (RFID) 120 d. Read module 110 may detect the readable RFID module 120 d positioned on (or within) the delivery device 30 after the delivery device 30 is positioned proximate the read module 110. The readable RFID module 120 d connected to the delivery device 30 may be automatically detected the by the read module 110 or detection thereof may be manually initiated by a clinician.
In use, the read module 110 receives identification information from one or more readable modules 120 a-120 e positioned on a specific delivery device 30 or positioned on the packaging material 130 that house the delivery device 30. The read module 110 connects to the device tracking and management system 115 via a direct or indirect connection (e.g., a wi-fi or wireless connection) and provides the identification information thereto.
The device tracking and management system 115 utilizes the identification information to locate tracking and usage information related to the specific delivery device 30. The tracking and usage information is used to determine if the specific delivery device 30 is a viable device (e.g., reusable and/or unused device), a compatible device (e.g., compatible to the specific electrosurgical generator 20) and/or a device that is safe to use (e.g., no manufacturing recalls). The determination step may be performed by the device tracking and management system 115, the read module 110, the electrosurgical generator 20 or any combination thereof.
New information (or changes to existing information) may be related to the use of the electrosurgical generator 20 with the specific delivery device 30. The new information, or changes to the existing information, may be added to the corresponding record in the device tracking and management system 115 before, during and/or after the delivery device 30 is used. The information may include time-stamped information, information related to the electrosurgical generator 20, read module 110 and readable module 120, information related to the surgical procedure (e.g., type, duration, etc. . . . ), information related to performance and/or delivered energy and information related to the user and/or facility (e.g., an operator entered facility code or location codes).
Device tracking and management system 115 tracks one or more aspects of a specific delivery device 30. For example, device tracking and management system 115 may track the usage of a single-use delivery device and may further prevent the re-use of the single-use delivery devices 30. Device tracking and management system 115 may also track the use and reuse of a specific reusable delivery device 30 and may prevent re-use of the specific reusable delivery device 30 if the specific use is determined to be an unsafe or not permitted. Device tracking and management system 115 identifies each specific delivery device 30 during or after manufacturing, associates the readable devices 120 with the specific delivery device 30, tracks each specific delivery device 30 throughout its usable life, and prevents reuse after the usable life has expired.
Device tracking and management system 115 may also be configured to include the functionality of an enterprise resource planning system. For example, a component of the device tracking and management system 115 may include an inventory control module 115 a for tracking and controlling inventory for a specific office, hospital and/or a specific storage location therein. Inventory control module 115 a of the device tracking and management system 115 may automatically generate orders based on usage and/or availability or may provide order recommendations based on historic usage.
Device tracking and management system 115 may also include a sterilization control module 115 b to provide sterilization monitoring and tracking. In some embodiments, sterilization control module 115 b of the device tracking and management system 115 tracks, records and/or monitors each individual use and subsequent sterilizations that occur after each of the uses. Device tracking and management system 115 may prevent a specific delivery device 30 from re-entering an inventory system if time-stamp information indicates that sterilization was not performed, indicates with a high degree of likelihood that sterilization was not adequately performed or indicates that sterilization was bypassed altogether. For example, time-stamp information from the electrosurgical generator 20 may indicate that a specific delivery device 30 was being reintroduced into inventory directly after an indicated use, thereby indicating that sterilization could not have been performed.
Device tracking and management system 115 may also include a billing module 115 c that generates automated customer billing (for single use and/or limited-use reusable delivery devices) and/or automated patient billing (for single use devices, pay-per-use devices and/or split billing for pay-per-use or reusable devices). For example, in a surgical procedure a read module 110 identifies a specific delivery device 30 and reports the use to the device tracking and management system 115. If the specific delivery device 30 is a single use device, the inventory control module 115 a would initiate a reorder for a new delivery device and the billing module 115 c would initiate appropriate patient billing for use of the delivery device 30. If the specific delivery device 30 is a limited use reusable device, the inventory control module 115 a may initiate a reorder of the delivery device 30 if the use tracking indicates the delivery device 30 has expired and the delivery device 30 can not be reused. The billing module 115 c generates appropriate patient billing for the allocated percentage of use of the delivery device 30 and an order may be initiated by the inventory control module 115 a.
External usage tracking system 100 is configured to interface with the electrosurgical control algorithm that controls the operation of the electrosurgical generator 20. In some embodiments, the electrosurgical control algorithm in an existing electrosurgical generator 20 is reprogrammed to connect to the read module 110 through a pre-existing communication port 46 b. As such, implementation of an external usage tracking system 100 may be accomplished by implementing a software upgrade of the electrosurgical control algorithm in an existing electrosurgical generator 20 and connecting the read module 110 to the electrosurgical generator 20.
New electrosurgical generators may be configured to connect to a read module 110 of the external usage tracking system 100 through any suitable wireless personal area network (WPAN) such as, for example, Bluetooth, infrared or WiFi, therefore requiring minimal changes to implement an external usage tracking system 100.
The information provided to the electrosurgical generator 20 from the read module 110 may include information related to the manufacturing, assembly and testing of the delivery device 30, information related to use of the delivery device 30 and/or information related to the compatibility of the delivery device 30 with the electrosurgical generator 20. The information may also be related to the safe operation of the delivery device 30 and may include safe operating procedures, product recall information and/or information about the delivery device 30 and/or materials used to manufacture the delivery device 30 that were obtained after the delivery device 30 was manufactured.
The external usage tracking system 100 may provide the read module 110 with product performance information related to the specific delivery device 30 such as delivery device 30 specifications and test data. As can be appreciated, identification of the specific delivery device 30 by the external usage tracking system 100 provides the capability of providing up-to-date information related to the specific delivery device 30.
In another embodiment, the information provided to the electrosurgical generator 20 from the read module 110 may be limited to enabling and/or disabling when the read module 110 and/or the device tracking and management system 115 (or any component thereof) determines if the specific delivery device 30 has expired. The read module 110 provides an enable/disable signal to the electrosurgical generator 20 wherein providing an enable signal indicates that the delivery device 30 is a viable device (e.g., unused and/or capable of being reused), a compatible device, an unexpired device and/or any combination thereof. The enable signal may enable delivery of the electrosurgical energy to the delivery device 30.
New delivery device platforms may include new features designed for connecting and interfacing with new electrosurgical generators. As such, the new delivery device platforms are incompatible with the early generation electrosurgical generators 20. For example, a new delivery device platform may include features related to an external usage tracking system 100 that had not been included in early generation electrosurgical generators. As such, read module 110 may be configured to interface with the features included in the new delivery devices platform (e.g., wireless communication transmitter/receiver 120 c as will be discussed in more detail herein). As such, an electrosurgical system 100 with an early generation electrosurgical generator 20 may utilize the new platform features provided in or with a new delivery device 30 platform by interfacing with the early generation electrosurgical generator 20 through the read module 110.
Returning to FIG. 1, the delivery device 30 is configured to interface with the external usage tracking system 100. Delivery device 30 includes a plurality of readable modules 120 configured to interface with the readable module 110. FIG. 1 illustrates several readable modules 120 although as few as one readable module 120 may be used.
In some embodiments, read module 120 is incorporated into the packaging materials 130 (e.g., one-dimensional bar code 120 a formed in the soft-pack 130), incorporated into the connector 24 on the proximal end of the transmission line 34 (e.g., two-dimensional bar code 120 b), incorporated into the handle 36 of the delivery device 30 (e.g., RFID 120 d or wireless communication transmitter/receiver 120 c) or any combination thereof.
The delivery device 30 may include a readable RFID module 120 d. The readable RFID module 120 d may attach to the exterior of the delivery device 30 (e.g., on the housing 36), as illustrated in FIG. 1, or the readable RFID module 120 d may be positioned in the interior cavity formed by the housing 36. The operation of the readable RFID module 120 d and the external usage tracking system 100 may be independent of the operation of the delivery device 30. As such, the readable RFID module 120 d may be attached to an existing device (e.g., externally positioned) or incorporated into the delivery device 30 during the assembly process (e.g., internally or externally positioned).
In another embodiment, the internal circuitry of the delivery device 30 includes readable RFID circuitry (not explicitly shown). Internal circuitry may provide data related to the use of the delivery device 30 and send the data to the readable RFID circuitry (not explicitly shown) and the readable RFID circuitry provides at least a portion of the data related to the use of the delivery device 30 to the read module 110 of the external usage tracking system 100.
In use, the read module 110, when placed in suitable proximity to a readable RFID module 120 d, receives information from the readable RFID module 120 d. The information may include identification information that directly identifies the delivery device 30 or that indirectly identifies the delivery device 30 through identification of the RFID module 120 d. The information may direct the read module 110 to a table, database or other data storage location that contains identification and/or usage information of the delivery device 30. For example, in some embodiments, the read module 110 receives identification information related to the readable RFID module 120 d that directs the read module 110 to a database entry containing information related to the specific delivery device 30. The read module 110 may determine the compatibility between the delivery device 30 and the electrosurgical generator 20 thereby preventing use of an incompatible delivery device 30. The read module 110 may also determine if the delivery device 30 has been previously used thereby preventing reuse of a disposable product. In addition, the read module 110 may determine if the use of a limited-use reusable delivery device 30 has exceeded a maximum number of uses thereby preventing overuse of a limited-use reusable product.
After detecting the readable RFID module 120 d, the read module 110 may verify compatibility between the delivery device 30 and the electrosurgical generator 20, may then determine various use parameters relating to the delivery device 30 and provide a signal to enable or disable the use of the electrosurgical generator 20 with the identified delivery device 30.
In some embodiments, the readable RFID module 120 d may be connected to the energy delivery portion or control portion of the delivery device 30 such that the readable RFID module 120 d is rendered inoperable or unreusable by the delivery device 30 when the delivery device 30 connects to, or receives electrosurgical energy from, the electrosurgical generator 20. For example, delivery device 30 may alter the information stored on the readable RFID module 120 d or alter the operation of the readable RFID module 120 d such that any attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 with the attached readable RFID module 120 d would result in the external usage tracking system 100 detecting the prior use thereby preventing reuse of the delivery device 30.
Readable RFID module 120 d may also be susceptible to one or more aspects of sterilization procedures. Exposure to a sterilization process alters information stored the readable RFID module 120 d or the sterilization process rendering the readable RFID module 120 d inoperable. For example, the readable RFID module 120 d may be sensitive to heat, fluid, electromagnetic radiation and/or exposure to other conditions related to a sterilization process such that any attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 with a readable RFID module 110 that has been exposed to a sterilization process would result in detection by the external usage tracking system 100.
A packaging readable module 120 a, with functionality related to readable modules 120 b-120 e discussed herein, may be incorporated into the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130). Packaging readable module 120 a may be provided as an alternative to the readable modules 120 a-120 e positioned on the delivery device 30 or may be provided in addition to one or more readable modules 120 a-120 e.
In another embodiment, the packaging readable module 120 a positioned on the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130) corresponds to a readable module 120 b-120 e associated with the delivery device 30. Read module 110 must identify the packaging readable module 120 a and a corresponding readable module 120 b-120 e positioned on the delivery device 30 prior to enabling the operation of the electrosurgical generator 20.
The packaging readable module 120 a may include a one-dimensional bar code, as illustrated in FIG. 1, incorporated into the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130). Prior to opening the packaging materials (e.g., soft-pack 130), the packaging readable module 120 a may be accessible (e.g., optically scanned and/or read) by the read module 110 through one or more layers of the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130). The packaging readable module 120 a is positioned on the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130) such that the packaging readable module 120 a is destroyed or rendered unreadable upon opening of the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130).
The packaging, packaging materials and packaging techniques described herein and illustrated in the drawings should not be construed as limiting as the teachings provided herein may be utilized with, or incorporated into, other suitable surgical packages. Soft-pack 130 includes a flexible bottom layer 130 a and a flexible top layer 130 b connected together by an adhesive seal 132 thereby forming a sterile, interior pocket 143 therebetween. An adhesive seal 132 positioned along the edge of the flexible bottom layer 130 a and the flexible top layer 130 b along a first, second and third edges 131 a-131 c bonds the bottom layer 130 a to the top layer 130 b. The position of the adhesive seal 132 (e.g., inset from the fourth edge 131 d) provides access to the individual layers of the soft-pack 130 (e.g., flexible bottom layer 130 a and flexible top layer 130 b). The adhesive seal 132 formed adjacent the first, second and third edges 131 a-131 c prevents separation between the flexible bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b.
A read module 120 a, positioned between the fourth edge 131 d and the adhesive seal 132, is attached to the flexible top and bottom layers 130 a and 130 b and readable by the reader module 110 through the flexible bottom layer 130 a and/or the flexible top layer 130 b. The soft-pack 130 is opened by separating the flexible top and bottom layers 130 a and 130 b thereby breaking the adhesive seal 132 along the fourth edge 131 d. Further separating the flexible top and bottom layers 130 a and 130 b breaks at least a portion of the adhesive seal 132 along the first and second edges 131 a and 131 b.
A readable module 120 a, positioned between the flexible bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b along the fourth edge 131 d, includes a bond between the readable module 120 a and each of the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b. The bond may be stronger than the material used to construct the readable module 120 a. For example, the readable module 120 a may be adhesively attached to the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b by an adhesive layer 131. The bond between the readable module 120 a and each of the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b may be sufficiently strong that separating the bottom and top layers renders the readable module 120 a non-functional (e.g., unreadable and/or unidentifiable by the read module 110).
In another embodiment, the readable module 120 a is formed by bonding together the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b. As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b are fused together thereby forming a single layer therebetween. As such, opening the soft pack requires the destruction of the bond between the bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b thereby rendering the readable module 120 a unreadable (e.g., thereby tearing the two layers and/or stretching of the two layers thereby rendering the code unreadable).
In another embodiment, bottom and top layers 130 a and 130 b form a fluid-tight seal around the readable module 120 a thereby isolating the readable module 120 a from ambient conditions. Opening the soft-pack 130 (e.g., removing the delivery device 30) exposes the readable module 120 a to the ambient conditions thereby rendering the readable module 120 a non-functional and/or unreadable. For example, the readable module 120 a may be printed with an evaporative material that evaporates when exposed to ambient conditions, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the readable module 120 a may include a reactive material that modifies the barcode pattern (e.g., changes the pattern of the barcode by eliminating a portion of the pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, or by adding an additional portion to the pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2C), thereby rendering the barcode unreadable.
In some embodiments, the reactive material forms at least a portion of a readable code and the reactive material reacts with one or more components in air. For example, the readable code may be formed with a solution of thymolphthalein and a base material and then sealed between the bottom and top layer 130 a and 130 b. When opened, the base reacts with carbon dioxide, which is always present in air, thereby dropping the pH to a level where the readable code disappears thereby rendering the packaging readable material inoperable.
In another embodiment, at least a portion of the readable code background is formed with a solution that becomes dark (e.g., reacts with air and/or oxidizes in the presents of air) when exposed to ambient conditions thereby modifying the structure of the readable code and rendering the packaging readable material inoperable.
In yet another embodiment, a first portion of the readable module 120 a is formed on the bottom layer 130 a and a second portion of the readable module 120 a is formed on the top layer as illustrated in FIG. 2E. Separation of the bottom layer 120 a from the top layer 130 a renders the readable module 120 a unreadable.
Other surgical instrument packaging arrangements may include half-shell packaging. A half-shell instrument package includes a rigid or semi-rigid bottom half-shell assembly containing at least one cavity for receiving a surgical instrument and a flexible lid portion configured to cover the cavity. A half-shell instrument package may also include a plurality of spaced apart cavities for selectively plating protective plugs at each end of the implement such that one packaging cavity may be used for a plurality of variously sized instruments. Half-shell assembly typically includes a flange area upon which the flexible lid portion adhesively attaches thereby forming a sterile cavity therebetween.
A readable module may be incorporated into the half-shell package such that separation of the flexible lid portion from the bottom half-shell assembly renders the readable module unreadable.
Yet another surgical instrument packaging arrangement includes a full-shell instrument package. A full-shell instrument package includes rigid top and bottom portions that connect in a plurality of locations thereby forming a sterile cavity for the delivery device therebetween. This type of package may be a single use package or may be resealable, and therefore reusable.
In another embodiment, a reusable delivery device 30 includes two readable modules 120 that provide information related to the specific delivery device 30. A first readable module (e.g., the packaging readable module 120 a) is formed in the packaging material (e.g., soft-pack 130) and a second readable module (e.g. one of readable modules 120 b-120 e) is connected the reusable delivery device 30.
During the manufacturing and packaging process, the first readable module and the second readable module are provided with identification information that identifies the specific reusable delivery device 30 housed in the packaging materials.
The total use of the reusable delivery device 30 includes a first use and a finite number of subsequent permissible reuses with the final permissible use being the last permissible use.
In some embodiments, during the first use the clinician is required to identify the delivery device 30 by reading/scanning the first readable module 120 a and the second readable module 120 b-120 e with the read module 110 of the external usage tracking system 100. The external usage and tracking system 100 determines that the delivery device 30 has not been previously used and thereby identifies the use as the first use.
The external usage and tracking system 100 may indicate an identifying feature related to the first use that further limits subsequent reuses of the delivery device 30. For example, the read module 110 may provide a location indicator that attaches to the identification information of the specific delivery device 30. The location indicator may identify the surgical facility, may identify a customer identifier, may identify a billing entity or any other information related to the specific user of the delivery device 30. The location indicator may further limit use of the specific delivery device 30 to systems and devices related to the location indicator.
In another embodiment, the packaging materials 130 may be configured for reuse with the delivery device 30. As such, each subsequent permissible use may require scanning/reading of the first readable module 120 a and the second readable module 120 b-120 e prior to the subsequent permissible use. The delivery device 30 may be reused until the external usage and tracking system 100 determines that the current use is the last use and thereafter the delivery device 30 will be unusable. Any subsequent attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 will not be permitted by the external usage and tracking system 100.
In another embodiment, the packaging materials 130 are not reusable and intended to be discarded after the first use. As such, each subsequent permissible use only requires scanning/reading of the second readable module 120 b-120 e. The delivery device 30 may be reused until the external usage and tracking system 100 determines that the current use is the last use and thereafter the delivery device 30 will be unusable. Any subsequent attempt to reuse the delivery device 30 will not be permitted by the external usage and tracking system 100.
A subsequent scan of the first readable module 120 a would indicate that packaging materials 130 that were not intended for reuse were reused and may indicate improper sterilization procedures. Reuse of the delivery device 30 may be prohibited or prevented. Alternatively, the rescanning of a first readable module 120 a on a subsequent permissible use may generate an indicator or alarm that proper sterilization procedures were not performed at the identified location or performed by the identified user.
In yet another embodiment, the external usage and tracking system 100 as described herein, is incorporated into a sterilization system. For example, the electrosurgical system 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may be a sterilization system 20 that sterilizes the delivery device and prepares the delivery device for a subsequent use as discussed hereinabove. The sterilization system 20 provides information related to the sterilization of the delivery device, either directly or indirectly through read module 120, to the device tracking and management system 115.
While several aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:
1. A method for enabling delivery of energy to a surgical instrument, the method comprising:
positioning a scanner adjacent a readable module, the readable module coupled to an energy delivery portion of the surgical instrument and having information stored therein relating to the surgical instrument and configured to be rendered inoperable upon the delivery of energy to the energy delivery portion;
scanning the readable module using the scanner;
transferring the information stored in the readable module from the scanner to a remotely-located device tracking and management system;
transferring the information stored in the readable module from the scanner to a generator after the information stored in the readable module is transferred from the scanner to the remotely-located device tracking and management system;
determining, based on the information stored in the readable module, whether the surgical instrument is at least one of compatible with the generator, viable, or safe to use; and
enabling the delivery of energy from the generator to the surgical instrument if the surgical instrument is determined to be at least one of compatible with the generator, viable, or safe to use.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the remotely-located device tracking and management system determines whether the surgical instrument is at least one of compatible with the generator, viable, or safe to use.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising separating first and second layers of a packaging to expose another readable module to ambient conditions thereby rendering the another readable module inoperable.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the another readable module includes at least one of:
a reactive material that modifies a readable code of the another readable module when exposed to the ambient conditions; or
a material that evaporates when exposed to the ambient conditions.
5. A tracking system, comprising:
a generator configured to selectively deliver energy to an energy delivery portion of a surgical instrument;
a first readable module associated with the energy delivery portion of the surgical instrument and configured to be rendered inoperable in response to the energy delivery portion receiving the energy from the generator, the first readable module storing information related to the surgical instrument;
a packaging configured to house the surgical instrument; and
a second readable module associated with the packaging and storing the information related to the surgical instrument wherein a first portion of the second readable module is formed on a first layer of the packaging and a second portion of the second readable module is formed on a second layer of the packaging.
6. The system according to claim 5, further comprising a read module configured to receive the information stored in the first and second readable modules and to determine whether the information stored in the first readable module and the information stored in the second readable module are the same.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the read module is configured to enable delivery of the energy to the surgical instrument by the generator when the read module determines that the information stored in the first readable module and the information stored in the second readable module are the same.
8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first readable module further includes a readable code and the read module includes a scanner configured to identify the readable code.
9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first readable module includes a radio frequency identification module and the read module includes a scanner configured to identify the radio frequency identification module.
10. The system according to claim 5, wherein the packaging forms an air-tight seal around the second readable module thereby preventing the second readable module from exposure to ambient conditions.
US14/922,719 2012-05-02 2015-10-26 External reader for device management Expired - Fee Related US9763725B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/922,719 US9763725B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2015-10-26 External reader for device management

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/462,348 US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2012-05-02 External reader for device management
US14/922,719 US9763725B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2015-10-26 External reader for device management

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/462,348 Continuation US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2012-05-02 External reader for device management

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20160038217A1 US20160038217A1 (en) 2016-02-11
US9763725B2 true US9763725B2 (en) 2017-09-19

Family

ID=49512104

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/462,348 Expired - Fee Related US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2012-05-02 External reader for device management
US14/922,719 Expired - Fee Related US9763725B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2015-10-26 External reader for device management

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/462,348 Expired - Fee Related US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2012-05-02 External reader for device management

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US9204920B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2844174B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6195907B2 (en)
CN (1) CN104334106B (en)
AU (1) AU2013256795A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2868823A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013165683A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (274)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101427936B (en) * 2003-04-29 2013-03-06 航空医学有限公司 Laryngoscope with means to restrict re-use of blades
US20070084897A1 (en) 2003-05-20 2007-04-19 Shelton Frederick E Iv Articulating surgical stapling instrument incorporating a two-piece e-beam firing mechanism
US9060770B2 (en) 2003-05-20 2015-06-23 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Robotically-driven surgical instrument with E-beam driver
US11890012B2 (en) 2004-07-28 2024-02-06 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising cartridge body and attached support
US10159482B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2018-12-25 Ethicon Llc Fastener cartridge assembly comprising a fixed anvil and different staple heights
US7934630B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2011-05-03 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Staple cartridges for forming staples having differing formed staple heights
US11484312B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2022-11-01 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising a staple driver arrangement
US11246590B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2022-02-15 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge including staple drivers having different unfired heights
US7669746B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2010-03-02 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Staple cartridges for forming staples having differing formed staple heights
US20070106317A1 (en) 2005-11-09 2007-05-10 Shelton Frederick E Iv Hydraulically and electrically actuated articulation joints for surgical instruments
US20110290856A1 (en) 2006-01-31 2011-12-01 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Robotically-controlled surgical instrument with force-feedback capabilities
US11278279B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2022-03-22 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument assembly
US8708213B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2014-04-29 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument having a feedback system
US11793518B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2023-10-24 Cilag Gmbh International Powered surgical instruments with firing system lockout arrangements
US8820603B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2014-09-02 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Accessing data stored in a memory of a surgical instrument
US11224427B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2022-01-18 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling system including a console and retraction assembly
US20120292367A1 (en) 2006-01-31 2012-11-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Robotically-controlled end effector
US7845537B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2010-12-07 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument having recording capabilities
US8186555B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2012-05-29 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with mechanical closure system
US7753904B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2010-07-13 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Endoscopic surgical instrument with a handle that can articulate with respect to the shaft
US8992422B2 (en) 2006-03-23 2015-03-31 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Robotically-controlled endoscopic accessory channel
US8322455B2 (en) 2006-06-27 2012-12-04 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Manually driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument
US10568652B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2020-02-25 Ethicon Llc Surgical staples having attached drivers of different heights and stapling instruments for deploying the same
US8684253B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2014-04-01 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US8652120B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2014-02-18 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and sensor transponders
US11291441B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2022-04-05 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US20080169332A1 (en) 2007-01-11 2008-07-17 Shelton Frederick E Surgical stapling device with a curved cutting member
US8600478B2 (en) 2007-02-19 2013-12-03 Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Automatic identification of instruments used with a surgical navigation system
US20090001130A1 (en) 2007-03-15 2009-01-01 Hess Christopher J Surgical procedure using a cutting and stapling instrument having releasable staple-forming pockets
US11857181B2 (en) 2007-06-04 2024-01-02 Cilag Gmbh International Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments
US8931682B2 (en) 2007-06-04 2015-01-13 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments
US11849941B2 (en) 2007-06-29 2023-12-26 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge having staple cavities extending at a transverse angle relative to a longitudinal cartridge axis
JP5410110B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2014-02-05 エシコン・エンド−サージェリィ・インコーポレイテッド Surgical cutting / fixing instrument with RF electrode
US7866527B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2011-01-11 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical stapling apparatus with interlockable firing system
US9179912B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2015-11-10 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Robotically-controlled motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument
US8636736B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2014-01-28 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument
US7819298B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2010-10-26 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical stapling apparatus with control features operable with one hand
US9386983B2 (en) 2008-09-23 2016-07-12 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Robotically-controlled motorized surgical instrument
US11648005B2 (en) 2008-09-23 2023-05-16 Cilag Gmbh International Robotically-controlled motorized surgical instrument with an end effector
US8210411B2 (en) 2008-09-23 2012-07-03 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument
US9005230B2 (en) 2008-09-23 2015-04-14 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Motorized surgical instrument
US8608045B2 (en) 2008-10-10 2013-12-17 Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc. Powered surgical cutting and stapling apparatus with manually retractable firing system
US8783543B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2014-07-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Tissue acquisition arrangements and methods for surgical stapling devices
US8777004B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2014-07-15 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Compressible staple cartridge comprising alignment members
US9788834B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2017-10-17 Ethicon Llc Layer comprising deployable attachment members
US9320523B2 (en) 2012-03-28 2016-04-26 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Tissue thickness compensator comprising tissue ingrowth features
US11812965B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2023-11-14 Cilag Gmbh International Layer of material for a surgical end effector
US9629814B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2017-04-25 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Tissue thickness compensator configured to redistribute compressive forces
US11925354B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2024-03-12 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising staples positioned within a compressible portion thereof
US9241714B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2016-01-26 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Tissue thickness compensator and method for making the same
US10945731B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2021-03-16 Ethicon Llc Tissue thickness compensator comprising controlled release and expansion
US11298125B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2022-04-12 Cilag Gmbh International Tissue stapler having a thickness compensator
US8695866B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2014-04-15 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument having a power control circuit
BR112013027794B1 (en) 2011-04-29 2020-12-15 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc CLAMP CARTRIDGE SET
US11207064B2 (en) 2011-05-27 2021-12-28 Cilag Gmbh International Automated end effector component reloading system for use with a robotic system
US9072535B2 (en) 2011-05-27 2015-07-07 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical stapling instruments with rotatable staple deployment arrangements
US9320662B2 (en) * 2011-10-18 2016-04-26 Stryker Corporation Patient support apparatus with in-room device communication
CN104334098B (en) 2012-03-28 2017-03-22 伊西康内外科公司 Tissue thickness compensator comprising capsules defining a low pressure environment
RU2014143258A (en) 2012-03-28 2016-05-20 Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. FABRIC THICKNESS COMPENSATOR CONTAINING MANY LAYERS
US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2015-12-08 Covidien Lp External reader for device management
US9101358B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2015-08-11 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Articulatable surgical instrument comprising a firing drive
US9289256B2 (en) 2012-06-28 2016-03-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Surgical end effectors having angled tissue-contacting surfaces
US20140001231A1 (en) 2012-06-28 2014-01-02 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Firing system lockout arrangements for surgical instruments
US9408606B2 (en) 2012-06-28 2016-08-09 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Robotically powered surgical device with manually-actuatable reversing system
US9282974B2 (en) 2012-06-28 2016-03-15 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Empty clip cartridge lockout
US11202631B2 (en) 2012-06-28 2021-12-21 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling assembly comprising a firing lockout
BR112014032776B1 (en) 2012-06-28 2021-09-08 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM AND SURGICAL KIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM
US9700310B2 (en) 2013-08-23 2017-07-11 Ethicon Llc Firing member retraction devices for powered surgical instruments
JP6345707B2 (en) 2013-03-01 2018-06-20 エシコン・エンド−サージェリィ・インコーポレイテッドEthicon Endo−Surgery,Inc. Surgical instrument with soft stop
JP6382235B2 (en) 2013-03-01 2018-08-29 エシコン・エンド−サージェリィ・インコーポレイテッドEthicon Endo−Surgery,Inc. Articulatable surgical instrument with a conductive path for signal communication
US9629629B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-04-25 Ethicon Endo-Surgey, LLC Control systems for surgical instruments
BR112015026109B1 (en) 2013-04-16 2022-02-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc surgical instrument
US9649110B2 (en) 2013-04-16 2017-05-16 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument comprising a closing drive and a firing drive operated from the same rotatable output
MX369362B (en) 2013-08-23 2019-11-06 Ethicon Endo Surgery Llc Firing member retraction devices for powered surgical instruments.
US9746421B2 (en) 2013-09-26 2017-08-29 Sensor International, Llc Apparatuses, indicators, methods and kits with timed color change indication
US10013049B2 (en) 2014-03-26 2018-07-03 Ethicon Llc Power management through sleep options of segmented circuit and wake up control
BR112016021943B1 (en) 2014-03-26 2022-06-14 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR USE BY AN OPERATOR IN A SURGICAL PROCEDURE
CN106456158B (en) 2014-04-16 2019-02-05 伊西康内外科有限责任公司 Fastener cartridge including non-uniform fastener
BR112016023807B1 (en) 2014-04-16 2022-07-12 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc CARTRIDGE SET OF FASTENERS FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
US20150297223A1 (en) 2014-04-16 2015-10-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Fastener cartridges including extensions having different configurations
JP6636452B2 (en) 2014-04-16 2020-01-29 エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC Fastener cartridge including extension having different configurations
US11467422B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2022-10-11 Sensor International, Llc Carbon dioxide sensing color changeable dyes for indicating exposure, methods of making and using such dyes, and apparatuses incorporating such dye
BR112017004361B1 (en) 2014-09-05 2023-04-11 Ethicon Llc ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
US11311294B2 (en) 2014-09-05 2022-04-26 Cilag Gmbh International Powered medical device including measurement of closure state of jaws
US10111679B2 (en) 2014-09-05 2018-10-30 Ethicon Llc Circuitry and sensors for powered medical device
US11523821B2 (en) 2014-09-26 2022-12-13 Cilag Gmbh International Method for creating a flexible staple line
US9924944B2 (en) 2014-10-16 2018-03-27 Ethicon Llc Staple cartridge comprising an adjunct material
US11141153B2 (en) 2014-10-29 2021-10-12 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridges comprising driver arrangements
US10517594B2 (en) 2014-10-29 2019-12-31 Ethicon Llc Cartridge assemblies for surgical staplers
US9844376B2 (en) 2014-11-06 2017-12-19 Ethicon Llc Staple cartridge comprising a releasable adjunct material
US10736636B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2020-08-11 Ethicon Llc Articulatable surgical instrument system
US10085748B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2018-10-02 Ethicon Llc Locking arrangements for detachable shaft assemblies with articulatable surgical end effectors
US9844375B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2017-12-19 Ethicon Llc Drive arrangements for articulatable surgical instruments
US9987000B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2018-06-05 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument assembly comprising a flexible articulation system
BR112017012996B1 (en) 2014-12-18 2022-11-08 Ethicon Llc SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANvil WHICH IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT AN IMMOVABLE GEOMETRIC AXIS DIFFERENT FROM A STAPLE CARTRIDGE
US9943309B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2018-04-17 Ethicon Llc Surgical instruments with articulatable end effectors and movable firing beam support arrangements
US9844374B2 (en) 2014-12-18 2017-12-19 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument systems comprising an articulatable end effector and means for adjusting the firing stroke of a firing member
US9317818B1 (en) 2015-01-13 2016-04-19 Seyed Amin Ghorashi Sarvestani System and method for using a hybrid single-pass electronic ticket
EP3045184B1 (en) * 2015-01-13 2019-01-09 ECP Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Container for a heart pump device and method for operating a heart pump device
US11154301B2 (en) 2015-02-27 2021-10-26 Cilag Gmbh International Modular stapling assembly
JP2020121162A (en) 2015-03-06 2020-08-13 エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC Time dependent evaluation of sensor data to determine stability element, creep element and viscoelastic element of measurement
US9993248B2 (en) 2015-03-06 2018-06-12 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Smart sensors with local signal processing
US10548504B2 (en) 2015-03-06 2020-02-04 Ethicon Llc Overlaid multi sensor radio frequency (RF) electrode system to measure tissue compression
US9619618B2 (en) 2015-03-18 2017-04-11 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for credit-based usage of surgical instruments and components thereof
US10213201B2 (en) 2015-03-31 2019-02-26 Ethicon Llc Stapling end effector configured to compensate for an uneven gap between a first jaw and a second jaw
CN106154942A (en) * 2015-03-31 2016-11-23 北京恒实基业科技有限公司 A kind of Electrosurgical electrode security system and there is the electrosurgery unit of this system
US10105139B2 (en) 2015-09-23 2018-10-23 Ethicon Llc Surgical stapler having downstream current-based motor control
US10238386B2 (en) 2015-09-23 2019-03-26 Ethicon Llc Surgical stapler having motor control based on an electrical parameter related to a motor current
US10736633B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2020-08-11 Ethicon Llc Compressible adjunct with looping members
US11890015B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2024-02-06 Cilag Gmbh International Compressible adjunct with crossing spacer fibers
US10292704B2 (en) 2015-12-30 2019-05-21 Ethicon Llc Mechanisms for compensating for battery pack failure in powered surgical instruments
US11213293B2 (en) 2016-02-09 2022-01-04 Cilag Gmbh International Articulatable surgical instruments with single articulation link arrangements
JP6911054B2 (en) 2016-02-09 2021-07-28 エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC Surgical instruments with asymmetric joint composition
US11224426B2 (en) 2016-02-12 2022-01-18 Cilag Gmbh International Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments
US10448948B2 (en) 2016-02-12 2019-10-22 Ethicon Llc Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments
US10357247B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-07-23 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument with multiple program responses during a firing motion
US10426467B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-10-01 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument with detection sensors
US11607239B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2023-03-21 Cilag Gmbh International Systems and methods for controlling a surgical stapling and cutting instrument
US10492783B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-12-03 Ethicon, Llc Surgical instrument with improved stop/start control during a firing motion
US10828028B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2020-11-10 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument with multiple program responses during a firing motion
US11317917B2 (en) 2016-04-18 2022-05-03 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling system comprising a lockable firing assembly
US10433840B2 (en) 2016-04-18 2019-10-08 Ethicon Llc Surgical instrument comprising a replaceable cartridge jaw
US20170296173A1 (en) 2016-04-18 2017-10-19 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Method for operating a surgical instrument
US10555750B2 (en) * 2016-08-25 2020-02-11 Ethicon Llc Ultrasonic surgical instrument with replaceable blade having identification feature
WO2018049122A1 (en) 2016-09-09 2018-03-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Systems and methods for producing customized products intermixed with mass produced products
JP6810253B2 (en) 2016-09-09 2021-01-06 ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブル カンパニーThe Procter & Gamble Company Systems and methods for producing products on demand
CA3035537C (en) 2016-09-09 2021-07-20 The Procter & Gamble Company System and method for simultaneously filling containers of different shapes and/or sizes
EP3509979B1 (en) 2016-09-09 2023-06-14 The Procter & Gamble Company System and method for independently routing vehicles and delivering containers and closures to unit operation stations
WO2018049119A1 (en) 2016-09-09 2018-03-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Methods for simultaneously producing different products on a single production line
CN109661624B (en) 2016-09-09 2022-10-25 宝洁公司 System and method for independently guiding carriers of loaded containers to create different finished products
EP3509795B1 (en) 2016-09-09 2020-07-29 The Procter and Gamble Company Vacuum holder with extensible skirt gasket
MX2019002782A (en) 2016-09-09 2019-09-04 Procter & Gamble System and method for simultaneously filling containers with different fluent compositions.
US10588632B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-03-17 Ethicon Llc Surgical end effectors and firing members thereof
US10675026B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-06-09 Ethicon Llc Methods of stapling tissue
US10675025B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-06-09 Ethicon Llc Shaft assembly comprising separately actuatable and retractable systems
US11419606B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2022-08-23 Cilag Gmbh International Shaft assembly comprising a clutch configured to adapt the output of a rotary firing member to two different systems
JP2020501779A (en) 2016-12-21 2020-01-23 エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC Surgical stapling system
JP6983893B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2021-12-17 エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC Lockout configuration for surgical end effectors and replaceable tool assemblies
US10588631B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-03-17 Ethicon Llc Surgical instruments with positive jaw opening features
JP7010956B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2022-01-26 エシコン エルエルシー How to staple tissue
US10524789B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-01-07 Ethicon Llc Laterally actuatable articulation lock arrangements for locking an end effector of a surgical instrument in an articulated configuration
US20180168615A1 (en) 2016-12-21 2018-06-21 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc Method of deforming staples from two different types of staple cartridges with the same surgical stapling instrument
US10980536B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2021-04-20 Ethicon Llc No-cartridge and spent cartridge lockout arrangements for surgical staplers
US10675100B2 (en) * 2017-03-06 2020-06-09 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for improving medical instruments and devices
US11517325B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2022-12-06 Cilag Gmbh International Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on measured displacement distance traveled over a specified time interval
US10779820B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2020-09-22 Ethicon Llc Systems and methods for controlling motor speed according to user input for a surgical instrument
US10881399B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2021-01-05 Ethicon Llc Techniques for adaptive control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument
US11653914B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2023-05-23 Cilag Gmbh International Systems and methods for controlling motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument according to articulation angle of end effector
US10307170B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-06-04 Ethicon Llc Method for closed loop control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument
US11382638B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2022-07-12 Cilag Gmbh International Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on measured time over a specified displacement distance
US10993716B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2021-05-04 Ethicon Llc Surgical anvil arrangements
US11324503B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2022-05-10 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical firing member arrangements
US11266405B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2022-03-08 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical anvil manufacturing methods
US11564686B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2023-01-31 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical shaft assemblies with flexible interfaces
EP4070740A1 (en) 2017-06-28 2022-10-12 Cilag GmbH International Surgical instrument comprising selectively actuatable rotatable couplers
US10765427B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2020-09-08 Ethicon Llc Method for articulating a surgical instrument
US20190000461A1 (en) 2017-06-28 2019-01-03 Ethicon Llc Surgical cutting and fastening devices with pivotable anvil with a tissue locating arrangement in close proximity to an anvil pivot axis
US11058424B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2021-07-13 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising an offset articulation joint
US10932772B2 (en) 2017-06-29 2021-03-02 Ethicon Llc Methods for closed loop velocity control for robotic surgical instrument
US11471155B2 (en) 2017-08-03 2022-10-18 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical system bailout
US11304695B2 (en) 2017-08-03 2022-04-19 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical system shaft interconnection
BR112020005983A2 (en) * 2017-09-27 2020-09-29 Microtek Medical, Inc. field for a surgical fluid heat treatment system, method for bending a field, and use of the field.
US10842490B2 (en) 2017-10-31 2020-11-24 Ethicon Llc Cartridge body design with force reduction based on firing completion
US10779826B2 (en) 2017-12-15 2020-09-22 Ethicon Llc Methods of operating surgical end effectors
US10835330B2 (en) 2017-12-19 2020-11-17 Ethicon Llc Method for determining the position of a rotatable jaw of a surgical instrument attachment assembly
US10682134B2 (en) 2017-12-21 2020-06-16 Ethicon Llc Continuous use self-propelled stapling instrument
US11311290B2 (en) 2017-12-21 2022-04-26 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising an end effector dampener
US10759976B2 (en) 2018-03-23 2020-09-01 Sensor International, Llc Color changeable adhesives and methods of making such adhesives
US11345554B2 (en) 2018-04-10 2022-05-31 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and apparatus for flexibly assembling packages of absorbent articles
JP7108449B2 (en) * 2018-04-10 2022-07-28 Dgshape株式会社 Surgical instrument management system
ES2958742T3 (en) * 2018-07-30 2024-02-14 Gambro Lundia Ab System with an intelligent filtration and/or diffusion device
US11324501B2 (en) 2018-08-20 2022-05-10 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling devices with improved closure members
US11346786B2 (en) 2018-10-09 2022-05-31 Sensor International, Llc High pressure sensitive color changeable indicators and methods of making such indicators
US11696761B2 (en) 2019-03-25 2023-07-11 Cilag Gmbh International Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems
US11903581B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2024-02-20 Cilag Gmbh International Methods for stapling tissue using a surgical instrument
US11432816B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2022-09-06 Cilag Gmbh International Articulation pin for a surgical instrument
US11471157B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2022-10-18 Cilag Gmbh International Articulation control mapping for a surgical instrument
US11452528B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2022-09-27 Cilag Gmbh International Articulation actuators for a surgical instrument
US11648009B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2023-05-16 Cilag Gmbh International Rotatable jaw tip for a surgical instrument
US11253254B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2022-02-22 Cilag Gmbh International Shaft rotation actuator on a surgical instrument
US11426251B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2022-08-30 Cilag Gmbh International Articulation directional lights on a surgical instrument
US11241235B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-02-08 Cilag Gmbh International Method of using multiple RFID chips with a surgical assembly
US11298127B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-04-12 Cilag GmbH Interational Surgical stapling system having a lockout mechanism for an incompatible cartridge
US11246678B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-02-15 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling system having a frangible RFID tag
US11771419B2 (en) * 2019-06-28 2023-10-03 Cilag Gmbh International Packaging for a replaceable component of a surgical stapling system
US11298132B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-04-12 Cilag GmbH Inlernational Staple cartridge including a honeycomb extension
US11224497B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-01-18 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical systems with multiple RFID tags
US11553971B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-01-17 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical RFID assemblies for display and communication
US11376098B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-07-05 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument system comprising an RFID system
US11399837B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-08-02 Cilag Gmbh International Mechanisms for motor control adjustments of a motorized surgical instrument
US11464601B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-10-11 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising an RFID system for tracking a movable component
US11497492B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-11-15 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument including an articulation lock
US11478241B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-10-25 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge including projections
US11853835B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-12-26 Cilag Gmbh International RFID identification systems for surgical instruments
US11523822B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-12-13 Cilag Gmbh International Battery pack including a circuit interrupter
US11627959B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-04-18 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instruments including manual and powered system lockouts
US11259803B2 (en) * 2019-06-28 2022-03-01 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling system having an information encryption protocol
US11361176B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-06-14 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical RFID assemblies for compatibility detection
US11684434B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-06-27 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical RFID assemblies for instrument operational setting control
US11426167B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-08-30 Cilag Gmbh International Mechanisms for proper anvil attachment surgical stapling head assembly
US11638587B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-05-02 Cilag Gmbh International RFID identification systems for surgical instruments
US11660163B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-05-30 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical system with RFID tags for updating motor assembly parameters
US11291451B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-04-05 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument with battery compatibility verification functionality
US11504122B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-11-22 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a nested firing member
US11446029B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-09-20 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising projections extending from a curved deck surface
US11559304B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2023-01-24 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a rapid closure mechanism
US11464512B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-10-11 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface
US11529137B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-12-20 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising driver retention members
US11607219B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2023-03-21 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising a detachable tissue cutting knife
US11234698B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-02-01 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling system comprising a clamp lockout and a firing lockout
US11576672B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2023-02-14 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a closure system including a closure member and an opening member driven by a drive screw
US11529139B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-12-20 Cilag Gmbh International Motor driven surgical instrument
US11291447B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-04-05 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling instrument comprising independent jaw closing and staple firing systems
US11701111B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2023-07-18 Cilag Gmbh International Method for operating a surgical stapling instrument
US11844520B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2023-12-19 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising driver retention members
US11304696B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-04-19 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a powered articulation system
US11911032B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2024-02-27 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising a seating cam
USD975278S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-01-10 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
USD967421S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2022-10-18 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
USD975850S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-01-17 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
USD976401S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-01-24 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
USD975851S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-01-17 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
USD974560S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-01-03 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
USD966512S1 (en) 2020-06-02 2022-10-11 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge
US20220031351A1 (en) 2020-07-28 2022-02-03 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instruments with differential articulation joint arrangements for accommodating flexible actuators
US11896217B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2024-02-13 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising an articulation lock
US11534259B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2022-12-27 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising an articulation indicator
USD980425S1 (en) 2020-10-29 2023-03-07 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument assembly
US11452526B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2022-09-27 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a staged voltage regulation start-up system
US11779330B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2023-10-10 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a jaw alignment system
USD1013170S1 (en) 2020-10-29 2024-01-30 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument assembly
US11717289B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2023-08-08 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising an indicator which indicates that an articulation drive is actuatable
US11517390B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2022-12-06 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a limited travel switch
US11844518B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2023-12-19 Cilag Gmbh International Method for operating a surgical instrument
US11617577B2 (en) 2020-10-29 2023-04-04 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a sensor configured to sense whether an articulation drive of the surgical instrument is actuatable
US11678882B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-06-20 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instruments with interactive features to remedy incidental sled movements
US11627960B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-04-18 Cilag Gmbh International Powered surgical instruments with smart reload with separately attachable exteriorly mounted wiring connections
US11849943B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-12-26 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument with cartridge release mechanisms
US11653920B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-05-23 Cilag Gmbh International Powered surgical instruments with communication interfaces through sterile barrier
US11653915B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-05-23 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instruments with sled location detection and adjustment features
US11737751B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-08-29 Cilag Gmbh International Devices and methods of managing energy dissipated within sterile barriers of surgical instrument housings
US11744581B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2023-09-05 Cilag Gmbh International Powered surgical instruments with multi-phase tissue treatment
US11890010B2 (en) 2020-12-02 2024-02-06 Cllag GmbH International Dual-sided reinforced reload for surgical instruments
US11751869B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-09-12 Cilag Gmbh International Monitoring of multiple sensors over time to detect moving characteristics of tissue
US11696757B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-07-11 Cilag Gmbh International Monitoring of internal systems to detect and track cartridge motion status
US11749877B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-09-05 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling instrument comprising a signal antenna
US11925349B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2024-03-12 Cilag Gmbh International Adjustment to transfer parameters to improve available power
US11730473B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-08-22 Cilag Gmbh International Monitoring of manufacturing life-cycle
US11744583B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-09-05 Cilag Gmbh International Distal communication array to tune frequency of RF systems
US11723657B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-08-15 Cilag Gmbh International Adjustable communication based on available bandwidth and power capacity
US11701113B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-07-18 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling instrument comprising a separate power antenna and a data transfer antenna
US11793514B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-10-24 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising sensor array which may be embedded in cartridge body
US11812964B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2023-11-14 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising a power management circuit
US11737749B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-08-29 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling instrument comprising a retraction system
US11759202B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-09-19 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising an implantable layer
US11806011B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-11-07 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling instrument comprising tissue compression systems
US11717291B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-08-08 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising staples configured to apply different tissue compression
US11826012B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-11-28 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling instrument comprising a pulsed motor-driven firing rack
US11723658B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-08-15 Cilag Gmbh International Staple cartridge comprising a firing lockout
US11826042B2 (en) 2021-03-22 2023-11-28 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument comprising a firing drive including a selectable leverage mechanism
US11896219B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2024-02-13 Cilag Gmbh International Mating features between drivers and underside of a cartridge deck
US11786239B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-10-17 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical instrument articulation joint arrangements comprising multiple moving linkage features
US11903582B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2024-02-20 Cilag Gmbh International Leveraging surfaces for cartridge installation
US11849945B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-12-26 Cilag Gmbh International Rotary-driven surgical stapling assembly comprising eccentrically driven firing member
US11857183B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2024-01-02 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling assembly components having metal substrates and plastic bodies
US11793516B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-10-24 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical staple cartridge comprising longitudinal support beam
US11786243B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-10-17 Cilag Gmbh International Firing members having flexible portions for adapting to a load during a surgical firing stroke
US11849944B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-12-26 Cilag Gmbh International Drivers for fastener cartridge assemblies having rotary drive screws
US11744603B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-09-05 Cilag Gmbh International Multi-axis pivot joints for surgical instruments and methods for manufacturing same
US11896218B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2024-02-13 Cilag Gmbh International Method of using a powered stapling device
US11832816B2 (en) 2021-03-24 2023-12-05 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling assembly comprising nonplanar staples and planar staples
US20220378424A1 (en) 2021-05-28 2022-12-01 Cilag Gmbh International Stapling instrument comprising a firing lockout
US11877745B2 (en) 2021-10-18 2024-01-23 Cilag Gmbh International Surgical stapling assembly having longitudinally-repeating staple leg clusters
CN115171860B (en) * 2022-05-11 2023-06-09 蓓安科仪(北京)技术有限公司 Method and system for managing operation package circulation full closed loop

Citations (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4827927A (en) 1984-12-26 1989-05-09 Valleylab, Inc. Apparatus for changing the output power level of an electrosurgical generator while remaining in the sterile field of a surgical procedure
US5353929A (en) 1993-04-19 1994-10-11 United States Surgical Corporation Package for surgical instrument
US5359993A (en) 1992-12-31 1994-11-01 Symbiosis Corporation Apparatus for counting the number of times a medical instrument has been used
WO2001018616A2 (en) 1999-09-08 2001-03-15 Curon Medical, Inc. System for controlling use of medical devices
WO2001017453A2 (en) 1999-09-08 2001-03-15 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
US20020067264A1 (en) 2000-03-15 2002-06-06 Soehnlen John Pius Tamper Evident Radio Frequency Identification System And Package
WO2002085218A2 (en) 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Power Medical Interventions, Inc. Bipolar or ultrasonic surgical device
US6519569B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2003-02-11 B. Braun Medical, Inc. Security infusion pump with bar code reader
US20050113815A1 (en) 2003-11-26 2005-05-26 Ritchie Paul G. Medical treatment system with energy delivery device for limiting reuse
US20050113818A1 (en) 2003-11-20 2005-05-26 Sartor Joe D. Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US20050203504A1 (en) 1998-10-23 2005-09-15 Wham Robert H. Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
JP2006030262A (en) 2004-07-12 2006-02-02 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd Double-sided adhesive sheet for falsehood discrimination, package enabling discriminating falsehood and falsehood discriminating method
WO2006036372A1 (en) 2004-09-24 2006-04-06 Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. System and method for monitored administration of medical products to patients
US20060079881A1 (en) 2004-10-13 2006-04-13 Christopherson Mark A Single-use transurethral needle ablation
US20060229595A1 (en) 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Ronald Newton Instrument and Methods for Electrical Current Treatment of Tissues and Methods for Monitoring the Same
US20070016185A1 (en) * 2005-04-29 2007-01-18 Tullis Philip J Medical Bipolar Electrode Assembly With A Cannula Having A Bipolar Active Tip And A Separate Supply Electrode And Medical Monopolar Electrode Assembly With A Cannula Having A Monopolar Active Tip And A Separate Temperature-Transducer Post
US20070024445A1 (en) 2005-07-27 2007-02-01 Zebra Technologies Corporation Visual identification tag deactivation
US20070035383A1 (en) 2005-08-09 2007-02-15 Roemerman Steven D Radio frequency identification interrogation systems and methods of operating the same
US7184820B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2007-02-27 Subqiview, Inc. Tissue monitoring system for intravascular infusion
CN1922563A (en) 2004-02-25 2007-02-28 玛格戴恩医疗产品公司 Electrosurgical counter and lockout mechanism
US20070060919A1 (en) 2003-04-04 2007-03-15 Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. Methods, systems, and devices for performing electrosurgical procedures
US20070060921A1 (en) 2004-06-17 2007-03-15 Jnj Technology Holdings Llc Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction
EP1772109A1 (en) 2005-10-04 2007-04-11 Sherwood Services AG System for performing cardiac ablation
US20070208339A1 (en) 2006-03-03 2007-09-06 Sherwood Services Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US20070210159A1 (en) 2006-03-09 2007-09-13 Mott Peter E Electrosurgical device having RFID and optical imaging capabilities
US20070233065A1 (en) 2006-02-17 2007-10-04 Sdgi Holdings, Inc. Dynamic treatment system and method of use
US20070244825A1 (en) 2006-04-14 2007-10-18 Gilbert Semmer Item, accessory kit, and method for software based medical resource activation
US20080164296A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-10 Shelton Frederick E Prevention of cartridge reuse in a surgical instrument
US20080211634A1 (en) 2002-03-12 2008-09-04 Vernon Hopkins Auto recognition of a shaver blade for medical use
EP1997439A2 (en) 2007-05-31 2008-12-03 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with electrical feedback
US20090054889A1 (en) 2007-08-24 2009-02-26 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical system
US20090065565A1 (en) * 2007-09-12 2009-03-12 Vascular Technologies, Inc. System, method and apparatus for preventing reuse of medical instruments
US20090076534A1 (en) 2006-01-31 2009-03-19 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Accessing data stored in a memory of a surgical instrument
WO2009039510A1 (en) 2007-09-21 2009-03-26 Power Medical Interventions, Inc. Surgical device
US20090157071A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-06-18 Covidien Ag System and Method for Tissue Sealing
US20090157075A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-06-18 Covidien Ag System and Method for Tissue Sealing
US20090157072A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-06-18 Covidien Ag System and Method for Tissue Sealing
US20090177094A1 (en) 2008-01-08 2009-07-09 Oncoscope, Inc. Systems and methods for tissue examination, diagnostic, treatment, and/or monitoring
US20090209979A1 (en) * 2008-02-14 2009-08-20 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Motorized cutting and fastening instrument having control circuit for optimizing battery usage
US20090248007A1 (en) 2008-03-31 2009-10-01 Applied Medical Resources Corporation Electrosurgical system
EP2113864A2 (en) 2008-04-29 2009-11-04 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. RFID to prevent reprocessing
US20100076483A1 (en) 2008-09-24 2010-03-25 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Medical manipulator
US20100213255A1 (en) 2007-10-23 2010-08-26 Jae Chern Yoo Liquid barcode and liquid barcode reader
GB2469628A (en) * 2009-04-20 2010-10-27 Michael Edward Beese Two Part Identification Label
US20100286691A1 (en) 2009-05-07 2010-11-11 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure
US7839674B2 (en) 2003-06-11 2010-11-23 Ovonyx, Inc. Programmable matrix array with chalcogenide material
US20100327057A1 (en) * 2009-06-30 2010-12-30 Nellcor Puritan Bennett Llc System and method for linking patient data to a patient and providing sensor quality assurance
US7900805B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2011-03-08 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument with enhanced battery performance
CA2720209A1 (en) 2009-11-20 2011-05-20 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Surgical console and hand-held surgical device
EP2329783A1 (en) 2009-12-07 2011-06-08 Tyco Healthcare Group, LP Removable ink for surgical instrument
US20110270250A1 (en) 2010-04-28 2011-11-03 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Induction Sealing
US20110270252A1 (en) 2010-04-29 2011-11-03 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Pressure Sensing Sealing Plate
US20120241515A1 (en) 2011-03-21 2012-09-27 James Freeman Optically Readable Identification Security Tag or Stamp
US20130211400A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2013-08-15 Jay Qin Unified systems and methods for controlling use and operation of a family of different treatment devices
US20130231656A1 (en) 2012-03-05 2013-09-05 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Method and Apparatus for Identification Using Capacitive Elements
US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2015-12-08 Covidien Lp External reader for device management

Patent Citations (67)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4827927A (en) 1984-12-26 1989-05-09 Valleylab, Inc. Apparatus for changing the output power level of an electrosurgical generator while remaining in the sterile field of a surgical procedure
US5359993A (en) 1992-12-31 1994-11-01 Symbiosis Corporation Apparatus for counting the number of times a medical instrument has been used
US5353929A (en) 1993-04-19 1994-10-11 United States Surgical Corporation Package for surgical instrument
US7901400B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2011-03-08 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US20050203504A1 (en) 1998-10-23 2005-09-15 Wham Robert H. Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US20130211400A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2013-08-15 Jay Qin Unified systems and methods for controlling use and operation of a family of different treatment devices
WO2001017453A2 (en) 1999-09-08 2001-03-15 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
JP2003508150A (en) 1999-09-08 2003-03-04 キューロン メディカル,インコーポレイテッド Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
JP2003523225A (en) 1999-09-08 2003-08-05 キューロン メディカル,インコーポレイテッド Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
WO2001018616A2 (en) 1999-09-08 2001-03-15 Curon Medical, Inc. System for controlling use of medical devices
US6519569B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2003-02-11 B. Braun Medical, Inc. Security infusion pump with bar code reader
US20020067264A1 (en) 2000-03-15 2002-06-06 Soehnlen John Pius Tamper Evident Radio Frequency Identification System And Package
US20020165541A1 (en) 2001-04-20 2002-11-07 Whitman Michael P. Bipolar or ultrasonic surgical device
WO2002085218A2 (en) 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Power Medical Interventions, Inc. Bipolar or ultrasonic surgical device
US7184820B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2007-02-27 Subqiview, Inc. Tissue monitoring system for intravascular infusion
US20080211634A1 (en) 2002-03-12 2008-09-04 Vernon Hopkins Auto recognition of a shaver blade for medical use
US7842033B2 (en) 2003-04-04 2010-11-30 Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. Methods, systems, and devices for performing electrosurgical procedures
US20070060919A1 (en) 2003-04-04 2007-03-15 Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. Methods, systems, and devices for performing electrosurgical procedures
US7839674B2 (en) 2003-06-11 2010-11-23 Ovonyx, Inc. Programmable matrix array with chalcogenide material
US7131860B2 (en) 2003-11-20 2006-11-07 Sherwood Services Ag Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US20050113818A1 (en) 2003-11-20 2005-05-26 Sartor Joe D. Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US20050113815A1 (en) 2003-11-26 2005-05-26 Ritchie Paul G. Medical treatment system with energy delivery device for limiting reuse
CN1922563A (en) 2004-02-25 2007-02-28 玛格戴恩医疗产品公司 Electrosurgical counter and lockout mechanism
US20070060921A1 (en) 2004-06-17 2007-03-15 Jnj Technology Holdings Llc Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction
JP2006030262A (en) 2004-07-12 2006-02-02 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd Double-sided adhesive sheet for falsehood discrimination, package enabling discriminating falsehood and falsehood discriminating method
WO2006036372A1 (en) 2004-09-24 2006-04-06 Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. System and method for monitored administration of medical products to patients
US20060079881A1 (en) 2004-10-13 2006-04-13 Christopherson Mark A Single-use transurethral needle ablation
US20060229595A1 (en) 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Ronald Newton Instrument and Methods for Electrical Current Treatment of Tissues and Methods for Monitoring the Same
US20070016185A1 (en) * 2005-04-29 2007-01-18 Tullis Philip J Medical Bipolar Electrode Assembly With A Cannula Having A Bipolar Active Tip And A Separate Supply Electrode And Medical Monopolar Electrode Assembly With A Cannula Having A Monopolar Active Tip And A Separate Temperature-Transducer Post
US20070024445A1 (en) 2005-07-27 2007-02-01 Zebra Technologies Corporation Visual identification tag deactivation
US20070035383A1 (en) 2005-08-09 2007-02-15 Roemerman Steven D Radio frequency identification interrogation systems and methods of operating the same
EP1772109A1 (en) 2005-10-04 2007-04-11 Sherwood Services AG System for performing cardiac ablation
US20090157075A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-06-18 Covidien Ag System and Method for Tissue Sealing
US20090157072A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-06-18 Covidien Ag System and Method for Tissue Sealing
US20090157071A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-06-18 Covidien Ag System and Method for Tissue Sealing
US20090076534A1 (en) 2006-01-31 2009-03-19 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Accessing data stored in a memory of a surgical instrument
US20070233065A1 (en) 2006-02-17 2007-10-04 Sdgi Holdings, Inc. Dynamic treatment system and method of use
US20070208339A1 (en) 2006-03-03 2007-09-06 Sherwood Services Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US7651493B2 (en) 2006-03-03 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US20070210159A1 (en) 2006-03-09 2007-09-13 Mott Peter E Electrosurgical device having RFID and optical imaging capabilities
US20070244825A1 (en) 2006-04-14 2007-10-18 Gilbert Semmer Item, accessory kit, and method for software based medical resource activation
US20080164296A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-10 Shelton Frederick E Prevention of cartridge reuse in a surgical instrument
US7900805B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2011-03-08 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument with enhanced battery performance
EP1997439A2 (en) 2007-05-31 2008-12-03 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with electrical feedback
US20080300580A1 (en) 2007-05-31 2008-12-04 Shelton Iv Frederick E Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with electrical feedback
US20090054889A1 (en) 2007-08-24 2009-02-26 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical system
WO2009035886A1 (en) 2007-09-12 2009-03-19 Vascular Technologies, Inc. System, method and apparatus for preventing reuse of medical instruments
US20090065565A1 (en) * 2007-09-12 2009-03-12 Vascular Technologies, Inc. System, method and apparatus for preventing reuse of medical instruments
WO2009039510A1 (en) 2007-09-21 2009-03-26 Power Medical Interventions, Inc. Surgical device
US20100213255A1 (en) 2007-10-23 2010-08-26 Jae Chern Yoo Liquid barcode and liquid barcode reader
US20090177094A1 (en) 2008-01-08 2009-07-09 Oncoscope, Inc. Systems and methods for tissue examination, diagnostic, treatment, and/or monitoring
US20090209979A1 (en) * 2008-02-14 2009-08-20 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Motorized cutting and fastening instrument having control circuit for optimizing battery usage
US20090248007A1 (en) 2008-03-31 2009-10-01 Applied Medical Resources Corporation Electrosurgical system
CN101571908A (en) 2008-04-29 2009-11-04 伊西康内外科公司 RFID to prevent reprocessing
EP2113864A2 (en) 2008-04-29 2009-11-04 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. RFID to prevent reprocessing
US20100076483A1 (en) 2008-09-24 2010-03-25 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Medical manipulator
GB2469628A (en) * 2009-04-20 2010-10-27 Michael Edward Beese Two Part Identification Label
US20100286691A1 (en) 2009-05-07 2010-11-11 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure
US20100327057A1 (en) * 2009-06-30 2010-12-30 Nellcor Puritan Bennett Llc System and method for linking patient data to a patient and providing sensor quality assurance
CA2720209A1 (en) 2009-11-20 2011-05-20 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Surgical console and hand-held surgical device
JP2011104379A (en) 2009-11-20 2011-06-02 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Surgical console and hand-held surgical device
EP2329783A1 (en) 2009-12-07 2011-06-08 Tyco Healthcare Group, LP Removable ink for surgical instrument
US20110270250A1 (en) 2010-04-28 2011-11-03 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Induction Sealing
US20110270252A1 (en) 2010-04-29 2011-11-03 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Pressure Sensing Sealing Plate
US20120241515A1 (en) 2011-03-21 2012-09-27 James Freeman Optically Readable Identification Security Tag or Stamp
US20130231656A1 (en) 2012-03-05 2013-09-05 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Method and Apparatus for Identification Using Capacitive Elements
US9204920B2 (en) 2012-05-02 2015-12-08 Covidien Lp External reader for device management

Non-Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Chinese Office Action (with English translation) issued on Dec. 29, 2016, corresponding to Chinese Application No. 201380022938.7; 12 total pages.
Chinese Office Action (with English translation) issued on May 25, 2016, corresponding to Chinese Application No. 201380022938.7; 18 total pages.
English translation of Japanese Office Action dated Sep. 21, 2016, corresponding to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-510300; 7 pages.
European Search Report, dated Dec. 2, 2015, corresponding to European Application No. 13785282.8; 9 pages.
International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority corresponding to International Application No. PCT/US2013/036699,dated Sep. 16, 2013; 9 pages.
Japanese Office Action with English translation, dated Apr. 4, 2017, corresponding to Japanese Application No. 2015-510300; 11 total pages.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2013256795A1 (en) 2014-10-09
CA2868823A1 (en) 2013-11-07
JP6195907B2 (en) 2017-09-13
US20130293353A1 (en) 2013-11-07
EP2844174A1 (en) 2015-03-11
EP2844174B1 (en) 2019-06-05
JP2015520629A (en) 2015-07-23
CN104334106A (en) 2015-02-04
US20160038217A1 (en) 2016-02-11
EP2844174A4 (en) 2015-12-30
WO2013165683A1 (en) 2013-11-07
US9204920B2 (en) 2015-12-08
CN104334106B (en) 2017-09-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9763725B2 (en) External reader for device management
US11690605B2 (en) Surgical instrument with charging station and wireless communication
US20230098870A1 (en) Method of compressing tissue within a stapling device and simultaneously displaying the location of the tissue within the jaws
JP6932719B2 (en) Systems and methods to enable reuse of surgical instruments
US20200138472A1 (en) Ultrasonic surgical instrument with replaceable blade having identification feature
JP4590161B2 (en) RF-ID label for medical container
JP2020535786A (en) Systems and methods for wirelessly charging medical device batteries
US9095346B2 (en) Medical device usage data processing
US20090327715A1 (en) System and Method for Cryptographic Identification of Interchangeable Parts
CN104349731A (en) Surgical instrument with orientation sensing
CN103260537A (en) Recharge system for medical devices
JP2002282200A (en) Storage managing system for medical instrument
WO2017112051A1 (en) A surgical article and method for managing surgical articles during a surgical procedure
US11759288B2 (en) System, devices, and method for identifying a medical tool
CN103391753A (en) Medical device usage data processing
US20190274782A1 (en) Medical instrument, medical instrument management system, and method for producing the medical instrument
US20240000491A1 (en) Reclamation packaging for surgical instrument and related methods
WO2024003730A1 (en) Robotic surgical system with removable portion and method of disassembling same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MCPHERSON, JAMES W.;HANNA, D. ALAN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120430 TO 20120502;REEL/FRAME:036882/0320

AS Assignment

Owner name: COVIDIEN LP, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP;REEL/FRAME:037043/0249

Effective date: 20120928

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20210919